Potowski

About the Author

Dr. Carmen Fought Potowski is a distinguished sociolinguist and professor of linguistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she explores the dynamic interplay of language, culture, and identity in urban environments. With a focus on bilingualism and language contact, her research illuminates how Spanish speakers navigate linguistic landscapes in diverse American cities. Potowski's seminal work, Spanish in Chicago (OXFORD STUDIES SOCIOLINGUISTICS SERIES), offers an in-depth analysis of Spanish-English code-switching and community language practices among Mexican immigrants, drawing on extensive fieldwork to challenge traditional views of language maintenance. Her contributions extend to education, advocating for inclusive bilingual policies that preserve heritage languages while fostering integration. Through her scholarship, Potowski bridges academia and public discourse, enriching our understanding of multilingualism in contemporary society.