Prof Elizabeth Wonnacott

Broadly speaking, my research explores human language learning. My interests include both how children learn their first language, and how additional languages are learned by learners of different ages. I am also interested in the development of both spoken and written language. I use experimental methods to explore the processes that are involved, focusing on the relationship between the input that learners receive and their learning and generalisation. Much of my work has been conducted within the statistical learning framework, and I am currently funded by the Leverhulme Trust working on a project which explores whether such learning is underpinned by error driven discriminative learning — a well understood theory of learning developed in the study of animal learning. 

My interest in the relation between language learning and language input led me to become interested in how input can be structured to maximise learning for learners of second/foreign languages. Recently, I have become particularly interested in exploring how advancements in Artificial Intelligence—specifically in speech recognition, speech synthesis, and the capabilities of large language models—might be leveraged to support language learning. I am a consultant for Oxford Language Technologies contributing to the development of a new second language training app – Omniloquent Language Primer and I have begun a related research program investigating the potential benefits and applications of this technology in language learning. 

Short biography

I began (academic) life with an undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 2000. I then moved to the US for a PhD in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester. After getting my PhD in 2006, I moved back to the UK and spent six years as Postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Oxford, followed by Assistant and Associate Professor posts at the University of Warwick and UCL. I am currently Professor of Language Science in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, and a Supernumerary Fellow at St. Johns College. 

Contact details

	Email
	Department of Education – University of Oxford 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6PY, United Kingdom
	Listen to the UCL’s “What works?” podcast where Liz discusses language science, development and her research career with Sophie Scott
	Meet Liz on Oxford’s web page