William O’Grady

William O’Grady has revolutionized the understanding of language acquisition through his pioneering work in emergentist approaches. As a distinguished professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Dr. O'Grady brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the field. He earned his PhD from the University of Chicago, a testament to his rigorous academic training and dedication to linguistic research. Dr. O'Grady's research focuses on the emergentist perspective of language acquisition, which emphasizes the role of processing considerations in the development of language skills. His innovative approach seeks to unravel the complexities of how language is acquired, offering a fresh lens through which to view the progression of language development. This perspective has contributed significantly to the broader understanding of linguistic theory and practice. In addition to his research, Dr. O'Grady is an active member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. He is available to serve on doctoral dissertation committees, providing valuable insights and guidance to PhD students. However, he does not take on the role of dissertation chair or main advisor, allowing him to focus on his research and teaching commitments. Dr. O'Grady's contributions to the field of linguistics are widely recognized, and his work continues to influence both theoretical and applied aspects of language studies. His dedication to advancing the understanding of language acquisition makes him a respected figure in the academic community.