My language interests center around the comparative and typological investigation of the Benue-Congo group, in particular its Bantoid sub-branch, with a documentary focus on the languages of the Lower Fungom region of Northwest Cameroon in the context of the team-based KPAAM-CAM project, which involves collaboration between scholars based both within and outside of Cameroon, including linguists, anthropologists, computer scientists, geographers, and sociologists. I have also done significant work on Saramaccan, an Atlantic creole.
Theoretical linguistics
My primary theoretical interest is the synchrony, diachrony, and typology of linear relations within morphology and syntax. Much of my research in this domain has focused on the typology of templatic constructions. In 2023, I began a new project in this area in collaboration Adam Tallman on the typology of constituency relations. In my theoretical work, I am especially interested in exploring how multivariate methods can help us better understand the typology of morphosyntactic constructions where linear restrictions play an important role in their expression.
Methods for language documentation
I have been active in the development and refinement of methods for language documentation. This has included work on digital techniques and tools to encode and manage the types of linguistic data produced during the course of documentary work, such as wordlists, grammars, and sociolinguistic surveys, as well as recommendations for how to conduct documentary work in settings characterized by extensive multilingualism.