Irene Taipale

I hold two Master of Arts degrees (English 2020; Literature 2021) and currently work as a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland. Previously, I have worked as a research assistant and a part-time teacher. At present, I teach the course Introduction to Sociolinguistics, which is part of the advanced studies in English Language and Culture.

My doctoral research is part of the project Weak-Tie Hypothesis in Complex Digital Networks (COMET), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The study investigates linguistic Americanization, with a focus on key linguistic variables associated with Americanization in the idiolects of lingua franca English users and their social media (Twitter/X) networks. Adopting a sociolinguistic perspective, I explore how the characteristics of an individual’s social network affect linguistic variation and change in social media, while also examining regional variation.

In addition to research and teaching, I have in recent years been an assistant of the editorial board for a collected volume published by Cambridge University Press. I have also participated in a working group exploring the use of artificial intelligence in university teaching and conducted a workshop on the topic for the staff at the School of Humanities. Currently, I serve as a board member of the Linguistic Association of Finland. Previously, I also wrote theater reviews for a local newspaper for several years.