Before joining the PhD program in Applied Linguistics at Concordia University (supervised by Pavel Trofimovich), Ryuichi obtained a BA in International Communication from Ryukoku University, Japan, in 2020. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in an exchange program at the University of Central Lancashire, UK, from 2018 to 2019. He then completed his MA in Foreign Language Education and Research from Kansai University, Japan, in 2022, specializing in Japanese and English language education. From August 2022 to July 2024, he worked and taught Japanese language as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures at Emory University, USA. His research interests include language pedagogy, language attitude, accent, and second language acquisition, with a focus on pronunciation, listening, and vocabulary. Apart from his academic pursuits, he enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and playing sports such as soccer and squash. Additionally, he has volunteered for Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) in Japan and the USA as well as International Education Peace Volunteers in Atlanta, USA. Ryuichi can be reached at [email protected]

Projects

• Intercultural competence and second language communication skills
• Exploring the benefits of social ties for international students' wellbeing

Publications

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Suzuki, R. (in progress). Japanese EFL learners’ perspectives on integrating a variety of English accents in listening materials and assessments.
2. Suzuki, R., & Yamane, S. (2024). Japanese EFL learners’ comprehension and perceptions of three different accents in listening assessment. International Journal of Applied Linguistics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijal.12584
3. Suzuki, R. (2022). The interrelationship between vocabulary knowledge and listening. Japan Society for Speech Sciences, 23, 43–62.

Proceedings Papers

1. Suzuki, R. (2023). Cultivating a social justice pedagogy in an introductory Japanese language course through pronunciation instruction. The Paris Conference on Education 2023: Official Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2023.71​

PRESENTATIONS

Conference Presentations

1. Suzuki, R., Takenouchi, T., & Yamane, S. (2024, March). Nihonjin eigo gakusyusya no risuningu to tesuto ni okeru samazamana eigonamari no siyou ni taisuru taido [Attitudes of Japanese learners of English toward the use of various English accents in listening materials and tests]. Paper presented at the Gengokyooiku ekisupo (Language education expo) 2024, Tokyo, Japan [virtual].
2. Suzuki, R. (2023, June).  Cultivating a social justice pedagogy in an introductory Japanese language course through pronunciation instruction. Paper presented at the he 2nd Paris Conference on Education, Paris, France [virtual]. 
3. Suzuki, R. (2022, May).  Risuningu kyozai to tesuto niokeru samazamana eigo namari no siyo: nihonjingakusyusya no siten kara [The use of various English accents in listening materials and tests: Perspectives from Japanese learners of English (quantitative analysis)]. Paper presented at the 2022 Regular Research Meeting: Japan Society for Speech Sciences, Tokyo, Japan. [program abstract] 
4. Suzuki, R., Ueno, M., & Yamane, S. (2021, November).  Incorporating three different accents in listening comprehension tests for Japanese learners of English. Paper presented at the 2021 Regular Research Meeting: Japan Society for Speech Sciences, Tokyo, Japan. [program abstract]  

GRANTS, awards and scholarships

​Awards and Scholarships

• Concordia University Faculty of Arts and Science Graduate Fellowship
• Concordia University International Tuition Award of Excellence
• Japan Student Services Organization (JSSO) Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term study abroad) (2018-2019)
• Kansai University Graduate School Scholarship (2020/2021)

Lab Members