Dr. Joanna Kopaczyk Mcpherson

Biography

Joanna Kopaczyk-McPherson is a professor specializing in Scots English Philology, focusing on historical linguistics with particular interest in the medieval and early modern periods of the Scots language. Her scholarly work investigates the historiography of minority languages and their impact on modern perceptions, emphasizing the importance of context in linguistic studies. Currently, she is involved in language advocacy and policy development for Scots, particularly through her recent project, 'Future Scots', funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh from 2020 to 2023. Her research employs corpus-driven methods to explore textual standardization and formulaicity in language, revealing patterns of repetition and historical legal discourse within Scottish burghs. She has co-edited several influential volumes and has participated in various collaborative projects, including efforts to trace the evolution of medieval Scottish legal texts. Joanna's publications in historical linguistics and multilingual dynamics have contributed significantly to the field, enabling a deeper understanding of the Scottish language's historical trajectory. She is also engaged in teaching and supervising students in related fields, providing expertise in historical Scots and the intricacies of linguistic change. As a leading figure in the study of Scots, her work enhances academic and public understanding of this critical aspect of Scottish heritage.

Research Interests

Experience