Dr. Yoshiko Matsumoto

Professor

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Biography

Yoshiko Matsumoto is a Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Stanford University, where she also holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Linguistics. As the Yamato Ichihashi Professor of Japanese History and Civilization, she coordinates the Japanese Language Program. Her research encompasses various aspects of linguistic pragmatics and sociocultural studies, particularly focusing on the interplay of language, age, and gender. Matsumoto has published extensively, including notable works such as "Noun-Modifying Clause Constructions in Languages of Eurasia: Rethinking Theoretical and Geographical Boundaries" and "Faces of Aging: Lived Experiences of the Elderly in Japan." Additionally, she has received numerous accolades for her teaching, including the Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching and several research fellowships from esteemed institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Japan Foundation. Her academic engagement includes editorial roles in various journals and participation in advisory boards related to pragmatics and language studies. Matsumoto’s current research interests involve conversational narratives, especially those concerning older adults and disaster survivors, highlighting the importance of linguistic and extralinguistic contexts in understanding communication.

Research Interests

Linguistic Pragmatics Sociocultural Aspects of Discourse Cross-Linguistic Perspectives Politeness Theories Speech Acts Bilingualism Language and Gender Narrative Studies

Experience

Professor

2011-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures; courtesy Professor in Linguistics.

Yamato Ichihashi Professor Japanese History Civilization

2016-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Holds the Yamato Ichihashi Chair, focusing on Japanese history and civilization.

Interim Chair

2016-01-01 — 2016-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Served as Interim Chair for the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures.

Associate Professor

2000-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Served as Associate Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures.

Assistant Professor

1992-01-01 — 2000-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor.

Assistant Professor

1988-01-01 — 1992-01-01

Ohio State University • Columbus, Ohio

Worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures.

Awards

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Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching

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Richard E. Guggenhime Faculty Scholar Award

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Violet Andrews Whittier Fellow

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Faculty Research Fellow

Courses

JAPAN 197 JAPAN 297 JAPAN 279 EALC 200 EALC 199 EALC 299 EALC 198C EALC 198H

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.