Dr. Kening Li

Biography

Kening Li is the Director of the Chinese Language Program at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research interests encompass various aspects of Chinese linguistics, particularly focusing on information structure and the interplay of phonology and syntax in modern Chinese. He has delved into topics such as the historical tonal changes in Chinese, especially concerning the Ru tone split in Middle Chinese and its redistribution across Mandarin dialects. Additionally, he is passionate about Chinese language teaching and pedagogy, striving to apply theoretical linguistic findings to enhance classroom teaching. Kening Li teaches Mandarin Chinese courses across all levels, from elementary to advanced, and places significant emphasis on correct pronunciation and grammar to build a solid foundation for students. He advises on specialized Chinese language courses, including advanced translation and linguistics. His ultimate goal is to foster communication competence among his students, accommodating both modern and classical Chinese teaching methods.

Research Interests