Thinking about becoming my student?

If you’re passionate about understanding how language, society, and technology shape one another, I’d love to hear from you. I enjoy working with students who are curious, open-minded, and eager to explore how people use language to express identity, build community, and make sense of the world.

My research focuses on sociolinguistic variation, multilingualism, and the lived experience of communication: both in everyday interaction and in digital spaces. I’m especially interested in how language connects to questions of identity, belonging, and power, whether in multilingual cities, online platforms, or AI-mediated contexts. I study topics such as linguistic landscapes, world Englishes, language contact and documentation, and language use among marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, neurodivergent speakers, and sensory-diverse communities. Much of my work bridges theory and practice: from understanding how English changes across regions to designing inclusive approaches to language learning and revitalization.

My research methods are diverse. Depending on the question, I might use quantitative analysis, computational and corpus-based techniques, experiments, ethnography, or fieldwork. I believe good research combines different perspectives, and I encourage students to find methods that both challenge and inspire them.

I especially enjoy mentoring students who want to connect academic inquiry with real-world impact: those who see language not just as a system to analyze, but as a way to foster connection, creativity, and care. Whether your interests lean toward sociolinguistic theory, digital communication, or community-based research, I aim to support you in developing a project that reflects your voice and vision as a researcher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I contact you to be my supervisor?

You are welcome to express interest, but all applications for postgraduate study must go through the CUHK Graduate School. Supervisor assignments are made after admission.

Q: Will you respond to all inquiries or proposals from prospective students?
Not necessarily. I may not respond to emails that show little effort, propose topics unrelated (or only superficially connected) to my research areas, or lack evidence of prior engagement with those topics. If you are reaching out, please take time to familiarize yourself with my recent work, reflect on how your ideas genuinely connect to them, and craft a thoughtful, well-structured email or proposal. I value curiosity, critical thinking, and sincerity ... and certaintly not generic applications!

Q: Can you give feedback on my research proposal before I apply?

Unfortunately, no. The application process assesses your independent ability to design and articulate a research plan. You may, however, use publicly available resources and your own mentors’ feedback to refine your proposal.

Q: Can I apply for a research assistantship directly with you?

If you are self-financing and interested in working on projects aligned with my current research agenda, then yes — I welcome such collaborations. However, if you are seeking a paid research assistant position, please note that these are only available through formal recruitment calls that I announce when funding becomes available.

Q: How can I increase my chances of being admitted or working with you?

A strong application clearly demonstrates your research independence, methodological awareness, and alignment with my areas of expertise, especially in sociolinguistics, multilingualism, and applied linguistics. Exceptional applicants are encouraged to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

Q: Will my chances of getting admitted be higher if I do a research assistantship with you?

Research assistantships are not linked to PhD admission outcomes at CUHK — being an assistant does not influence the success of your PhD application. However, passion and hard work and commitment can make you stand out.

Q: Who should I contact for program inquiries?

For questions about the Applied English Linguistics postgraduate program, please contact Prof. Haerim Hwang (AEL Postgraduate Coordinator, haerimhwang@cuhk.edu.hk) or English@cuhk.edu.hk