Faculty Profiles

Juanita Whalen, Coordinator/Instructor

Education & Credentials:

• BSc (honours): Mount Saint Vincent University
• MSc: University of Calgary
• PhD: University of Calgary 

Began teaching at MHC: 2014

My main research interest has centered around how we determine what speakers really mean when their utterances can often mean several things. To investigate this I take an experimental approach, examining relevant aspects of ironic language forms such as sarcasm. The research I have done with children primarily involves examining the specific social and cognitive cues that children might use in determining when an utterance is literal versus when it is sarcastic. In addition, my research has attempted to map a developmental trajectory of the different facets of verbal irony appreciation. In my work with adult speakers I have examined the ways that speakers use ironic language in text-based communication and how they mark their utterances for clearer interpretation. 

More recently, I have been investigating teaching-related topics, including student goal-setting, in-class review strategies, and practices in self- and peer-assessment. 

Areas of expertise: 

• Nonliteral language processing in children and adults
• Social and cognitive factors in language development
• Pragmatic language development
• Cognition & cognitive development
• Child, adolescent & adult development
• Experimental methods