MSc, Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching, University of Oxford

MEd, Literacy Development & Instruction, Cleveland State University

BS, Earth Science: Secondary Education, Western Michigan University

Zachary Waber (Zakk) is an applied linguistics scholar specializing in sociolinguistic discourse analysis, L2 learner motivation, and Global Englishes. Zakk first became involved in TESOL scholarship while studying Japanese at Keio University in Japan, where he worked on an undergraduate research project examining TESOL methodologies employed by Japanese English instructors.

In 2019, Zakk relocated to Siargao Island, Philippines, living locally, exploring his passion for surfing, and postulating the sociolinguistic functions of L1 in English conversations. Drawing from his experiences in the Philippines, Zakk completed a research project entitled "Sociolinguistic Functions of L1 in Philippine English" in partial fulfillment of his master's degree from Oxford University in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching (2023). At WKU, Zakk teaches ESL courses and supervises research projects in the field of sociolinguistics.

Zakk is originally from Montgomery, Michigan, but has spent the last ten years in Asia, residing in Tokyo, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Manila, Cebu, and Siargao Island before arriving in Wenzhou. He loves to learn about Asian cultures and to hear stories from students, colleagues, and friends from around the globe. Zakk enjoys studying Japanese and Chinese languages, discussing applied linguistics research, backpacking, playing guitar, and surfing.

Discourse Analysis

L2 Learner Motivation

Global Englishes

Articles

Andrei, E., & Waber, Z. (2019). What do students like about their online TESOL courses. OHIO TESOL, 30.

Conferences

“Using Tech to Foster Communicative Competence in a Plurilingual Society,” International Conference on Future Language Learning, Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, Philippines, June 2024.

“The Linguistic Stage: Motivation in Global Language Learning,” Korea TESOL International Conference. Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea, April 2024.

ESL 0303 – Academic Oral Discourse I

ESL 0403 – Academic Oral Discourse II

ESL 0305 – Academic Written Discourse I

ESL 0405 – Academic Written Discourse II