James A. Berry

Whatever happened in your fugue state stays in your fugue state

Picture of myself wearing a black t-shirt that reads “Antagonist.”

Wearing my tuff grading tee for finals week. This may be false advertising on my part.

Yay!!!

You’re a brilliant, knowledgeable scholar-researcher and a damn good podcast host. You interview people all the time. Channel that energy and let yourself shine.

We got angry today, here in Wisconsin.

It ain’t bragging if it’s true.

Problematic public linguists. Could he just stop opining?

Holding that floor!

Sending you support, Megan! If you need anyone to speak about what a smart and thoughtful undergrad you were, send ‘em my way.

I appreciate the linguistic chaos of labeling this a “Top tip.”

Conference hotels have a strange spatial dimension—endless corridors and enormous ballrooms divided by temporary walls. Repeating patterns. Weird lighting. Quiet. They’re disorienting, especially when you’re here for a short time. A friend explained the Backrooms to me, and I see it.

It will probably be funner than I give it credit for. And I’ve never been to Philadelphia before, so that’s exciting! But I always feel like a phony in these situations.

I expect nothing less—live by the sword, etc

Heading to Philadelphia to attend LSA 2025. Filled with that mixture of joy and dread that introverts approach giant conferences with. If you see me looking particularly imposter syndrome-y, say hi. I’ll appreciate it.

Agreed!

The Elon-Donald memes are all very entertaining, but can we please skip the homophobia?

As a native sunbelter, living my earlier life in states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona, I knew how to turn on the AC; not so much the fine art of shoveling snow. It’s been a learning experience.

Last day of the semester! Submitting grades, taking care of a couple of school duties. I even got out the ol’ snowblower and cleared yesterday’s snowfall. One more day of “on” and I get to be blissfully “off.” Can’t wait.

Irrealis is necessary for your existence, buddy.

Don’t ditch the gal what brung ya

Shouldn’t you be grading?

Obligatory intro: I’m a linguist teaching at a state comprehensive university in the upper Midwest. Trained in historical syntax and socioling, now focusing on equity, SoTL, and power in language. Linguistic discrimination is objectively bad, and I want to help folks see that.

I also love dogs!