Aurora Tsai

M.A. Second Language Studies, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Ph.D. Second Language Acquisition, Carnegie Mellon University

My research interests are in race, language, mixed-heritage identity, and critical pedagogy. As a critical applied linguist, I am particularly interested in the ways language is used to negotiate identity, justify discrimination, and perpetuate ethnoracial & gender inequalities.
My research has examined Multiracial/ethnic individuals' encounters with racial ideologies, strategies they use to negotiate their identities, and "systemic risks" they consider during navigation of identity.
One of my current projects investigates ways that mixed-heritage Japanese individuals undergo "collective healing" (Grills et al., 2016) from internalized linguistic shame they feel towards their heritage language skills. Another project is investigating microintervention strategies used by mixed-heritage Japanese to disarm or heal from racial microaggressions.

I hope that students can recognize English as one of many tools to aid communication, gain information, understand new perspectives, and critically engage with various academic topics. In my courses, I provide many opportunities to engage in critical discussion related to topics on race, language, identity, and social inequality. I also provide opportunities for students to conduct research on these topics through various methodologies.