Mark R. Freiermuth is an associate professor at Swinburne University of Technology-Sarawak, Malaysia in the Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, which is within the School of Arts and Education. His focus is on Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Concurrently, he also holds the rank of emeritus professor of applied linguistics and sociolinguistics in the service of Gunma Prefectural Women’s University in Japan.
Freiermuth obtained his PhD in English (TESL) from Oklahoma State University. His dissertation entitled ‘Features of electronic synchronous communication: A comparative analysis of online chat, spoken and written texts’ received the Graduate Research Excellence Award for the Humanities in Spring of 2001.
As a researcher, he has been interested in the effect technology has on language learners. The recently published book (2020) entitled ‘Technology and the Psychology of Second Language Learners and Users’ (Palgrave-Macmillan/Springer Nature) is a large volume focusing on many aspects of the interconnection between language learner psychology and the various technologies learners are using. The book is being promoted by Series Editor Hayo Reinders, which can be viewed by clicking the link here: Freiermuth and Zarrinabadi interview.
Freiermuth’s newest book publication is ‘Academic Conference Presentations: A Step-by-Step Guide’ (Palgrave-Macmillan/Springer Nature). This book is an easy-reader, which takes would-be presenters on a journey beginning at the point where the individual starts considering the possibility of giving a presentation and continues on until the reader is on stage giving the presentation. The book is filled with helpful suggestions and includes real-life narratives sprinkled with bits of humor for good measure. As the book has spurred some interest, Freiermuth was subsequently asked by ‘Nature Magazine’ (an offshoot of the journal ‘Nature’) for an online interview to provide some advice for nervous poster presenters. The article is entitled: ‘I botched my poster presentation — how do I perform better next time?’
With the backbone of support from immigrant scholars, Freiermuth has also spent energy and time investigating immigrant populations in Japan. How have their lives been affected while living in Japan? What kinds of linguistic issues have they faced? Related to this, he is also interested in expats and the language issues they encounter while living abroad.
Freiermuth is also quite interested in the psychological constructs of L2 grit, motivation and students’ willingness to communicate. By connecting EFL learners from different cultures telecollaboratively—using tools such as chat and video apps—language learners’ cultural competencies may blossom. A recent publication focused attention to the intersecting constructs of empathy and cultural competences as determined by head-nodding. The connection between emotions and behavior still warrants much investigation.
Finally, Freiermuth remains quite fascinated by interactions between individuals. What patterns do individuals rely on when talking with others? What psychological issues affect their dialogue?
A synopsis of Freiermuth’s research activities, varied interests and courses taught can be found on his personal website: Mark R. Freiermuth.
