Kening Li

My research interests include Chinese linguistics and Chinese language teaching pedagogy. In linguistics, I have worked on the information structure of modern Chinese as manifested through the interplay of phonology and syntax, Chinese syllable structure and historical tonal change of Chinese, especially how Middle Chinese Ru tone split three-ways and redistributed into later Mandarin dialects. In teaching pedagogy, I am particularly interested in how to apply theoretical linguistic findings to classroom teaching.

Teaching interests:

I teach all-level Mandarin Chinese language courses, both modern and Classical. When I teach elementary to intermediate Chinese, I focus on laying a solid foundation of correct pronunciation and grammar for students. For advanced and above level Chinese, I focus on explaining usage of expanded vocabulary and differences of formal structures between formal and less formal styles of Chinese. Throughout all levels, communication competence is the utmost goal. My teaching interests also include specialized Chinese language courses such as teaching pedagogy and translation courses and Chinese linguistics.