Dr. Tomohiro Yanagi from Chubu University

Ohio University’s newest Glidden Visiting Professor from Chubu University is Tomohiro Yanagi, who is now on campus and will be here through the middle of March.

Dr. Yanagi serves as an associate professor of English language and culture at Chubu University in Japan, where he has taught since 2001. At Chubu, he teaches courses including History of the English Language, English Syntax and English (reading, listening and grammar).

During his time at OHIO, Dr. Yanagi will be based at the Center for International Studies and focusing on research into:

• Internal structure of noun phrases,
• Floating quantifiers in the history of English,
• Diachronic change of discontinuous coordination,
• Diachronic and synchronic study of object movement.

He will also give guest lecturers while serving as the Glidden Visiting Professor. 

Two years ago, Dr. Yanagi was able to visit OHIO when he was chaperoning a group of Chubu University students. During his time on campus, he did some initial research work that led to this current project and his interest in returning to OHIO.

“It’s a very nice campus that is rich in intellectual resources,” Dr. Yanagi said. The quiet setting is a great place to do research and to work, he added.

He is also interested in learning more about the history of the city of Athens and the state of Ohio, and is hoping to learn more about the cultural aspects of the region while he is here. He is particularly interested in learning more about the Amish culture and welcomes the opportunity to speak with OHIO faculty who have an expertise in the Amish culture or in the history of the region.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Yanagi here at Ohio University as our newest Glidden Visiting Professor,” Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies Lorna Jean Edmonds said. “It is important to bring respected scholars such as Dr. Yanagi here to campus, and it is another benefit of our historic partnership with Chubu University.”

The faculty exchange program between Ohio University and Chubu University dates back to 1973. OHIO faculty members who travel to Chubu University serve as Kohei Miura Visiting Professors. That professorship is named in honor of the founder of Chubu University.

Chubu University faculty members who devote their time at OHIO to conducting research, meeting with faculty and students, holding lectures and taking part in outreach activities are known as Robert Glidden Professors, a name given in honor of OHIO’s 19th President.

Dr. Yanagai earned a PhD in English Linguistics from Nagoya University in 2015, an MA in English Linguistics from Nagoya University in 1998, and a BA in Japanese Linguistic from Osaka Kyoiku University in 1994.

For additional information on Dr. Yanagi and the work he will be doing at OHIO please contact the Office of Global Affairs at 740-593-1840 or globalaffairs@ohio.edu.