Linguistics in Motion: From Questions to Discoveries

About the Event

"Linguistics in Motion: From Questions to Discoveries,” celebrates the curiosity, dedication, and work of students and new doctorates in the FSU Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. From undergraduate research to doctoral study and beyond, our four panelists will share their passion for research and the experiences that shape their projects. Building on previous conversations, this final event of the fall semester of Research in Conversation: the MLL Colloquium series, these emerging scholars, through their presentations and shared discussion, participate in creating space for constructive feedback, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas across academic stages.

Speakers

Grayson Russell, undergraduate researcher and FSU Humanities Center fellow

Rachel Flemming, Ph.D. in Hispanic linguistics

Raquel Ferreira-Duarte, Ph.D. candidate in Hispanic linguistics

Maia Shampo, Ph.D. candidate in Hispanic linguistics

Abstract

How does a research question become a study, and what do researchers learn along the way? This panel brings together four researchers from the FSU Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics to explore the curiosity, methods, and experiences that shape linguistic inquiry across academic stages.

Grayson Russell introduces his developing acoustic study of creaky voice in male speakers and invites feedback on his research design before data collection. Rachel Flemming reflects on conducting an experimental second language research study, drawing on her recently defended dissertation. Raquel Ferreira-Duarte examines the relationship between Portuguese language contact and Spanish intonation in Bella Unión, Uruguay. Maia Shampo shares her experiences collecting data and conducting fieldwork for her research on Chipileño.

Together, these presentations offer a window into research as an evolving process of asking questions, making methodological choices, navigating challenges, and pursuing discoveries. The panel invites conversation, constructive feedback, and shared reflection while encouraging students to consider where their own curiosity might lead.

Schedule

6-7 p.m., presentations and discussion

7-7:30 p.m., refreshments and further discussions

Organizing Committee

Joachim Adams, Ph.D. candidate in French and Francophone studies

Susan Bryson, Ph.D. candidate in Hispanic linguistics

Sponsors

FSU Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics

FSU Winthrop-King Institute for Contemporary French and Francophone Studies