Michael Child

Professor with a passion for advancing studies in linguistics and language acquisition, Michael Child is an esteemed Associate Professor in the College of Humanities at Brigham Young University. With a robust academic background, he earned both his BA and MA in Portuguese from BYU, followed by a PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching from the University of Arizona. His academic journey also includes a tenure as a Universitair Docent of Portuguese and Linguistics at Leiden University, where he honed his expertise in language studies. Professor Child's research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, encompassing second and third language acquisition, corpus linguistics, and sociolinguistic variation. His work often explores the intricacies of language contact and the innovative use of eye-tracking technology to understand language processing. He is particularly interested in the dynamics of Portuguese for Spanish speakers and the pedagogical strategies involved in Dual Language Immersion programs. In the classroom, Professor Child is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of foreign language education. He teaches a variety of courses that cover second language acquisition, Portuguese linguistics, and research methods in language learning. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students to engage with complex linguistic phenomena critically. Professor Child's contributions to the field are not limited to teaching and research; he is actively involved in academic communities, contributing to the development of innovative language teaching methodologies. His work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical linguistics and practical language education, making significant strides in how languages are taught and learned. Beyond his academic pursuits, Professor Child is committed to mentoring students and young researchers, guiding them through the complexities of linguistic studies. His dedication to education and research continues to inspire those around him, fostering a vibrant academic environment at Brigham Young University.