Brett Nelson

I received my Bachelor of Science in Linguistics from Tulane University (in my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) in 2016, followed by a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the same institution in 2017. After these, I came to the University of Calgary in 2017 to work with Dr. Flynn on phonology and the linguistics of North and Central American indigenous languages, including but not limited to Kaqchikel (a Mayan language of Guatemala), other Mayan languages, Tunica (a language isolate of Louisiana), and various Algonquian, Siouan, and Salishan languages. The presence of the latter set of these various languages in and near southern Alberta was a primary factor in my decision to come to the University of Calgary.

My research interests are varied, but include both phonetic and phonological aspects of glottalized consonants, morpho-phonology in constraint-based theory, morpho-syntactic typology, particularly of verbal inflection, and language documentation and revitalization. I am  currently working with several language revitalization and maintenance groups including Kuhpani Yoyani Luhchi Yoroniku (KYLY; the Tunica Language Working Group) and the recently established Kaqchikel Online Dictionary Project (website to be created soon). Apart from linguistics, I enjoy science of all kinds and science fiction, particularly of the time-travelling variety, as well as the occasional mental exercise. I am an avid sports fan and am always willing to learn the rules of new kinds of sport or game."

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