From Slang to Science: How Language Works?

Course Description

This mini-course introduces students to the basics of linguistics through slangs. Participants will explore how new words are created, why people speak differently, and how sounds, meanings, and grammar shape everyday communication. Through interactive activities and real slang examples, students will learn key concepts like phonetics, syntax, semantics, and language change. By the end of the course, they will be able to analyze words and understand how language evolves, and develop an awareness of how people use language in daily life.

Biography

I am a passionate teacher with experience teaching across diverse international settings. I hold an M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa. I have taught at the university level as a Teaching Assistant and previously led Chinese language courses and cultural workshops in the Czech Republic. Also I have experience in teaching high school students and help them to prepare for their IB courses. With a strong foundation in curriculum design and interactive teaching, I am able to create an engaging environment where students can learn with joy.