Dr. Courtney Handman

Biography

Courtney Handman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Her research interests lie in linguistic anthropology, with a special focus on the intersections of language, religion, and media. Handman's early research examined the social formations surrounding Protestant Christianity, specifically the practices and language ideologies associated with its organized practices. She explored the implications of Protestant theology, particularly regarding concepts of individualism and materiality, within various denominational contexts in Papua New Guinea. Her current work investigates the problems of circulation in the context of colonization and decolonization processes in Papua New Guinea, examining the infrastructures such as roads and radio networks that facilitate these circulatory practices. Handman is also delving into how large language models in artificial intelligence are reshaping our understanding of language and communication, including the translation of animal communications. She teaches courses on invented languages, the relationship between humans and AI, and the culture of communication, engaging students in exploring these relevant and complex topics.

Research Interests

Courses