尤物视频

Linguistics doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a small-town girl from Banff, Alberta, who once believed that I had everything I needed in life simply by gazing at the crabapple tree in my backyard. Growing up, I was told that university wasn't important鈥攊f you went, it was just to get a degree and find a "real-world" job, not a place to pursue your passion. But in my second year, I took linguistics as an elective course鈥攁nd I fell in love. Linguistics captured my heart, and I have devoted my life to pursuing this field, hoping to make a meaningful contribution to our understanding of how humans produce and perceive this intricate and remarkable communication system. Linguistics is endlessly fascinating because language is never static鈥攏o one ever says the same thing twice in exactly the same way and language is always changing. Speech carries traces of both our biology and our social identity, making it a rich and ever-evolving area of study. I am inspired every day by the infinite possibilities in linguistic research, knowing there will always be something new to discover.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I completed my undergraduate studies at SFU and enjoyed the linguistics program so much that it completely changed my life trajectory. Even as an undergraduate, I was captivated by Dr. Murray J. Munro鈥檚 work in language acquisition. Returning to SFU for my PhD under his supervision has been a dream come true; he has been an incredibly supportive and inspiring mentor. Additionally, being part of a department filled with brilliant researchers who are so compassionate and caring toward their students has made my academic journey both intellectually enriching and deeply rewarding.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I study how multilingualism and identity鈥攕uch as whether someone identifies as Canadian or Korean-Canadian鈥攕hape the way we hear and produce speech and voices. In other words, I explore how the languages we speak and the way we see ourselves influence not just what we say, but how we perceive speech and voices around us. Think of it as uncovering the hidden connections between language, identity, and the way we experience sound in our daily lives鈥攎aking linguistic research a perfect bridge between the physical and social sciences.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

multilingualism, speech acoustics, voice quality

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My experiences in graduate coursework, teaching as an instructor, and serving as both a teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) have deepened my appreciation for the field of linguistics. Exploring how my studies connect to everyday communication and technological advancements has been an enlightening and exciting journey. I firmly believe that coursework, research, and teaching are not just complementary but essential components of academic growth鈥攅ach offering a unique lens through which to engage with and contribute to the field.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

Throughout my PhD journey, I have been fortunate to receive the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship, the C.D. Nelson Entrance Scholarship, and the Provost Prize of Distinction, along with other valuable departmental awards such as travel grants and graduate fellowships. Beyond their practical benefits, these awards have been particularly meaningful as they affirm the value of the research I am conducting and its potential to contribute positively to society. I strongly encourage students to continue applying for awards, knowing that your research has the power to impact the world in a positive way.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

First, have fun. In graduate school, you can't fake your research interests鈥攕o focus on what excites and inspires you. Even during difficult times, your passion for research will keep you going. Next, be authentically yourself. After all, if there鈥檚 one place where it's perfectly acceptable to embrace your inner nerd and let your authentic self shine, it鈥檚 graduate school. Embrace your weirdness; it鈥檚 what makes this journey great. Lastly, be kind鈥攖o others and yourself. Graduate school is a long journey, and everyone faces challenges. While there鈥檚 much we can't control, we can always choose to be kind.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I dedicate my research to the memory of my father, who would have been the proudest of me today. I also dedicate my future research to my niece Dani, who has taught me what it means to be strong.

Contact Sylvia:sylvia_cho@sfu.ca