Juanita Whalen

I am interested in pragmatic language development in general, and more specifically, in the development and function of various forms of non-literal language. In my Master's thesis I explored how children respond to sarcasm in face-to-face communication, and in other projects I have been examining how adults process and use ironic remarks. My doctoral research will examine how information about a speaker is used by children to interpret the intention of ironic remarks.

Social Science and Humanities Research Council (Canadian Graduate Scholarship- Doctoral)

I completed my undergradute degree at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax in 2000 and worked-- actually using my Psychology degree!-- for a few years before returning to school to pursue graduate studies. In addition to my research interests I really enjoy teaching (and the study of teaching) and plan to seek an academic position upon completing my doctorate. In my spare time I read (mostly non-academic stuff), watch really bad tv, cook, knit and sleep.

• Courses