Graduated with MA in 2016
I am a Master's student in the Department of Linguistics. My primary research interests are in the field of linguistic anthropology. In my previous research I was able to examine political and historical discourse using discourse analysis and metaphor theory surrounding Native Americans and Latinos in relationship to the dominant discourse provided by political figures. This research provided the groundwork in working with different minority groups. My current research examines humor within an Arapaho community of practice. Specifically, I am investigating how Arapaho speakers initiate humor frames within the power relations of this community of practice. I look at laughter as a gestural means to denote moments of humor along with what is being said. I am interested in finding out how laughter can show how Arapaho speakers frame humor, and how laughter and other gestures can discursively mark these moments.