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Brook Lillehaugen
Associate Professor of Linguistics at Haverford College
Professional Background
Dr. Brook Danielle Lillehaugen is a prominent Associate Professor and Chair of the Linguistics Department at Haverford College. She holds joint appointments at both Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore Colleges, showcasing her integral role in the academic community. Dr. Lillehaugen has dedicated a considerable portion of her professional life to the study of the Valley Zapotec language—a captivating indigenous language with rich history—since 1999. Her academic journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to understanding and revitalizing this language, making her one of the leading figures in this field.
As a co-director of Ticha, an initiative focused on preserving and documenting the Zapotec language, Dr. Lillehaugen plays a critical role in the grammatical analysis of both colonial and modern forms of Zapotec. Her passion for linguistics is complemented by her collaborative projects with fellow researchers and native Zapotec speakers, aiming to create online Talking Dictionaries that serve as vital resources for the revitalization of various Valley Zapotec language varieties. Through her work, she not only contributes to linguistic scholarship but also addresses the urgent need for language preservation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Lillehaugen has been recognized for her contributions, with her research supported by prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). In 2018, she received the Ernest A. Lynton Faculty Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty, highlighting her dedication to engaged scholarship and community involvement.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Lillehaugen's extensive academic background began with her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she laid the foundation for her linguistic expertise. She further advanced her education, pursuing a Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), culminating in a robust understanding of linguistic theory and application. Her educational journey included valuable experiences at UC Santa Barbara.
With a focus on linguistics that combines both theoretical and applied dimensions, Dr. Lillehaugen has not only published extensively on the grammar of the Zapotec language but has also been an advocate for linguistic diversity. Her research interests underscore her belief in the role of academics as allies to language activists, making her work not just scholarly, but also socially impactful. Dr. Lillehaugen integrates technology and digital humanities tools into her projects, showcasing the importance of modern methodologies in language documentation and revitalization efforts.
Achievements
Dr. Lillehaugen's notable achievements are a testament to her passion and commitment to the field of linguistics. She is recognized as a key contributor to the advancement of knowledge in colonial and modern Zapotec and has been actively involved in promoting the importance of endangered languages. The initiatives she has co-directed, including the development of Talking Dictionaries for Valley Zapotec, have garnered praise for their innovative approach to language preservation.
Her success in creating engaging, informative platforms enables access to linguistic resources for both scholars and native speakers, thereby strengthening the cultural ties associated with the language. In addition, Dr. Lillehaugen enjoys sharing her insights on important topics like language revitalization efforts and the significance of maintaining linguistic diversity. Through her public speaking, she engages diverse audiences, raising awareness of the challenges faced by endangered languages and the crucial role that community involvement plays in their survival.
In her digital engagements, Dr. Lillehaugen is active on social media and maintains a professional webpage that showcases her work, including links to her initiatives such as Ticha and the Zapotec Talking Dictionaries. By following Dr. Lillehaugen on Twitter, @blillehaugen, her followers can stay updated on her latest projects and contributions to the field.
Overall, Dr. Brook Lillehaugen is a leading voice in the world of linguistics, whose work not only advances academic understanding but also enriches the lives of communities connected to the languages she studies. Her dedication to language revitalization, the incorporation of technology in linguistics, and her role as an educator and mentor continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike.
