Dr. Gonzalez speaks five languages and is fluent in Spanish, English and German. She is fascinated by the different ways language functions—especially in social settings—and has studied how word choice is impacted by the speaker’s role and values.
Globetrotter
A native of Argentina, Dr. Gonzalez earned her doctorate at the University of Göttingen in Germany and has taught Spanish and linguistics at universities in Peru, Mexico and the United States.
Linguistics researcher
Her research explores how a specific setting or topic of conversation can influence a speaker’s word choice. Multilingual individuals select words from whatever language best expresses what they want to say—just as a person uses different words with a roommate than they do with a parent.
Brain booster
When her students become discouraged in their Spanish language learning, Dr. Gonzalez reminds them that learning languages is good for the brain. Some studies indicate knowing two or more languages may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Avid foodie
Dr. Gonzalez likes to try local food wherever she goes. She has savored everything from Argentinian beef and German bratwurst to Parisian pain au chocolat and fresh ceviche from Lima, Peru.
