Patricia M. Clancy
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Associate Professor, Department Chair, Linguistics
Personal Profile
I have a small, non-traditional family consisting of myself and my adopted daughter.
Balancing my professional and personal life is a big challenge; both are rewarding
but each is a full-time job. Since my field is language development, it has been
a great joy to watch my child acquire language; I’ve learned a lot about how language
shapes our lives and relationships.
Research Interests
My main research interests are children’s language acquisition, language socialization,
and Japanese and Korean linguistics.
Teaching Style
I try to get students to engage with the material, to think about why (what are
the explanations for the things we’re learning about), and to get the information
across in a way that will be enjoyable for students and myself: with humor and some
personal detail.
Idea of a Good Time
A walk or bike ride in nature, enjoying a good movie, spending time with my daughter.
Most Important Thing to Learn at College
The most important thing to learn is who you are. As you live independently from
family, reacting to the many people, pressures, and opportunities that you encounter
at college, stay open to your inner voice and you will learn a lot about yourself:
who you are now, and who you want to be in the future.
Advice for New Students at UCSB
Try out lots of classes, including ones that don’t fit your pre-existing plan. Look
for activities and groups that will allow you to follow and expand your interests.
Have mercy on your parents, yourself, and the world: be safe in your personal activities!
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