Two Men Talking in a Tavern (detail), Jean Charles Meissonier (1848-1917)

I'm a cognitive scientist who studies and writes about language and communication. As an experimental psychologist, I conduct research with my students on discourse, pragmatics, and nonliteral language. I also try to share research on these topics  with a broader audience.

Specifically, I have authored or co-authored several books for the general public on a variety of topics. These include second language learning in adulthood, cross-cultural communication, language and aging, and irony and sarcasm.

In 2023, I published two more books: one on miscommunication and one on language and identity. And Strikingly Similar, my book about plagiarism and appropriation, will be published in January 2026 by Cambridge University Press.

Information about all of my books can be found under the "Books" and "Reviews" sections of this website.

I also write for The Conversation and contribute monthly articles about language and communication to Psychology Today. Links to these pieces can be found under "Articles/interviews."