Xizi Danielle Deng (邓西子)

I hold a PhD in Linguistics from Simon Fraser University, where I conducted research at the Language Learning and Development Lab and the Language and Brain Lab, mentored by Dr. Henny Yeung and Dr.Yue Wang. My research broadly integrates L2 speech perception and production, psycholinguistics, acoustic phonetics, spoken word recognition in contexts using eye-tracking techniques, and audio-visual processing (specifically, how perceivers’ looking patterns at a talking face reflect their processing of various types of speech information). My PhD dissertation investigates how L2 English learners cope with acoustic-phonetic variability, particularly in the context of adapting to non-native English accents across different speech contexts.

Beyond these research fields, I also explore the role of non-linguistic factors, such as musical abilities, in L2 learning—particularly in the acquisition of prosodic features like lexical stress.

Outside of research, I am passionate about teaching Linguistics to undergraduate students and English to ESL learners. I also enjoy reading and writing science fiction novels and am a sci-fi movie enthusiast. I occasionally perform stand-up comedy in Chinese in downtown Vancouver.