Feng Xiao

Associate Professor of Asian Languages and Literatures; On leave for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Expertise

    Expertise

    I conduct research on second language (L2) development in various contexts, such as study abroad, with a particular focus on pragmatics (language use in context)—a crucial aspect of human language that generative AI still struggles with, as illustrated by the Chinese Room Argument. In recent years, I have collaborated with students to develop digital tools that address individual differences in language learning and assist instructors in integrating AI strategies into their courses (e.g., Chinese Pronunciation Guide, 2018). Additionally, I am actively involved in the authentication of Chinese cultural artifacts.

    Research Interests

    I am interested in cross-cutting issues in language learning and technology, with a focus on pragmatics (language use in context). I am also intrigued by cross-linguistic and cross-cultural differences that can influence human thinking. This includes investigating the role of vague expressions in interactions across diverse cultures.

    Areas of Expertise

    • Pragmatics
    • Second Language Acquisition
    • AI-supported Language Learning
    • Data Mining in Applied Linguistics
  • Work

    Work

    Liu, Y. & Xiao, F. (2024). Effects of Lexical Properties in L2 Chinese Compound Processing: A Multivariate Approach. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 53. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-024-10087-4

    Xiao, F. (2024). The 80/20 Rule in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. International Chinese Learning and Teaching Resources, 1 (1), 161-167.

    Xiao, F., Liu, G., Yu, Y., Wang, H., & Wang-Bramlett, D. (2023). ChatGPT and Chinese teaching. Studies in Chinese Learning and Teaching, 8, 1-13.

    Xiao, F., & Nie, K. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American students’ willingness to study abroad. In D., Zhang, & R., Miller, (Eds.), Crossing boundaries in researching, understanding, and improving language education: Essays in honor of G. Richard Tucker (pp. 257-270). Springer.

    Tiller, A, & Xiao, F. (2023). U.S. college students’ decision making on study abroad after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies in Chinese Learning and Teaching, 7, 108-129.

    Li, S., Tang, X., Taguchi, N., & Xiao, F. (2022). Effects of linguistic proficiency on speech act development in L2 Chinese during study abroad. Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education, 7(1), 116-151.

    Xiao, F. (2020). Instructional effects on acquisition of Chinese pragmatics. Studies in Chinese Learning and Teaching, 5, 1-28.

    Xiao, F., Taguchi, N., & Li, S. (2019). Effects of proficiency subskills on pragmatic development in L2 Chinese study abroad. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 41(2), 469-483.

    Li, S., Taguchi, N., & Xiao, F. (2019). Variations in Rating Scale Functioning in Assessing Speech Act Production in L2 Chinese. Language Assessment Quarterly, 16(3), 271-293.

    Xiao, F. (2018). Advanced-level pragmatics in instructed SLA. In P. A. Malovrh & A. G. Benati (Eds.), The handbook of advanced proficiency in second language acquisition (pp.461-482). Hoboken: Wiley & Sons.

    Xiao, F. (2018). Development of pragmatic competence in L2 Chinese study abroad. In A. Sánchez-Hernández & A. Herraiz-Martínez (Eds.), Learning second language pragmatics beyond traditional contexts (pp. 227-254). Peter Lang.

    Xiao, F. (2017). Development in the use of Chinese mitigation in interaction. Chinese as a Second Language Research, 6(1), 39-71.

    Taguchi, N., Xiao, F. & Li, S. (2016). Effects of Intercultural Competence and Social Contact on Speech Act Production in a Chinese Study Abroad Context. The Modern Language Journal, 100(4), 775-796.

    Taguchi, N., Xiao, F. & Li, S. (2016). Assessment of study abroad outcomes in Chinese as a second language: Gains in cross-cultural adaptability, language contact, and proficiency. Intercultural Education, 27(6), 600-614.

    Xiao, F. (2015). Proficiency effect on L2 pragmatic competence. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 5(4), 557-581.

    Xiao, F. (2015). Adult second language learners’ pragmatic development in the study-abroad context: A review. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 25, 132-149.

    Ke, S. & Xiao, F. (2015). Cross-linguistic transfer of morphological awareness between Chinese and English. Language Awareness, 24(4), 355-380.

    Liu, Y. & Xiao, F. (2015). Comprehension of Chinese vague expressions: A comparison between heritage and non-heritage learners. Chinese as a Second Language Research, 4(2), 271-294.

    Taguchi, N., Li, S., & Xiao, F. (2013). Production of formulaic expressions in L2 Chinese: A longitudinal investigation in a study-abroad context. Chinese as a Second Language Research, 2(1), 23-58.

  • Education

    Education

    Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

    B.A., M.Ed., Beijing Language and Culture University

    Recent Courses Taught

    • Chinese Culture and Arts
    • Chinese Language in Society
    • Digital News Reading in Chinese
    • Chinese in the Working World
    • Advanced Chinese I & II
    • Intermediate Chinese I & II
  • Awards & Honors

    Awards & Honors

    Hirsch Research Initiation Grant, 2021-2023

    EnviroLab Asia Curricular Innovation Award, Henry Luce Foundation, 2020

    Andrew W. Mellon Grant for Digital Humanities, 2016-2019

    Hahn Fund for Innovative Teaching with Technology, 2016-2017; 2018-2019; 2020-2021

    Language Learning Dissertation Grant, 2015

    Modern Languages Department Dissertation Completion Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon University, 2014-2015

    Barbara F. Freed Award for Research on Language Learning in a Study Abroad Context, 2014-2015