Dr. Ana Sanchez-Munoz
Research Interests
My research interests include language variation and change, bilingualism, language acquisition, and situations of language contact. In particular, I am interested in situations of contact between Spanish and English in the U.S. and in studying how Spanish is developed, used, and maintained by heritage speakers of Spanish in the U.S.
I have conducted research on language variation of linguistic registers in speakers of Spanish as a heritage and as a second language. I have also explored the characteristics of heritage learners of Spanish and investigating pedagogical approaches for the promotion and creation of language programs specifically designed for the needs of heritage learners.
Additionally, I have conducted research on various aspects affecting immigrant communities in Southern California and I have co-edited two books on this area: Learning English/Learning America: Voices of Latinos and Asian-Americans (2008) and Navigating the Great Recession: Immigrant Families' Stories of Resilience (2011).