About Me

I have three degrees: a bachelors in Spanish from Indiana University, a masters in linguistics from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a PhD in linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. My passion is analyzing languages all over the world. I have published 115 academic books and articles. During my teaching career I have lived in Spain, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, and Papua New Guinea. I have worked for 40 years as a professor and field researcher, documenting minority languages. For ten of those years I lived among native groups in the Amazon jungle, where I met my wife! My organization has translated the Bible into more than 1500 languages in 133 countries. My favorite subject to teach is phonology (sound patterns). I love to help students learn how to pronounce new and difficult sounds, including in Spanish. At my current university, the student body voted me the best professor two years in a row. I enjoy interacting with students one-on-one. I usually start by asking them diagnostic questions to find out their level of understanding. My personal philosophy is this: Readers are leaders; therefore, always know which book you are going to read next. In my leisure time I enjoy sports, chess, and playing with my son.

Education & Certifications

Tutoring Subjects