Mary Paster

Professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Science; Coordinator of Linguistics
  • Expertise

    Expertise

    Mary Paster specializes in phonology, the branch of linguistics concerned with the mental representation and systematic organization of sounds in languages. Her research focuses primarily on work with speakers of lesser-known languages, particularly African languages. She has also collaborated with Native American communities on language reclamation projects.

    Research Interests

    • The phonology-morphology interface
    • Tone systems
    • Vowel harmony
    • Sound change
    • Interspeaker variation

    Areas of Expertise

    • African languages
    • Indigenous American languages
    • Field linguistics
    • Language reclamation
    • Phonology
    • Morphology
  • Education

    Education

    Ph.D.
    University of California, Berkeley

    Master of Arts
    University of California, Berkeley

    Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude
    Ohio State University

    Recent Courses Taught

    • Introduction to Linguistics
    • Field Methods in Linguistics
    • Language and Social Justice
    • Topics in Phonology