This research explores how Jamaican patois shapes Toronto slang and identity. Through surveys and interviews, it shows that patois influences everyday speech across diverse communities. Far from trivial slang, it fosters belonging, reflects cultural history, and strengthens social ties, highlighting language as a dynamic, unifying force within the Greater Toronto Area.

This research examines sound symbolism—the idea that certain sounds inherently convey meaning. Through cross-linguistic analysis of animal names, it investigates how phonetic features relate to perceived traits like size or danger. Findings could improve language learning, branding, and understanding of how human language evolved beyond arbitrary sound-meaning relationships.

This research examines song dialects in vervain hummingbirds, revealing distinct geographic “dialect neighbourhoods” that change over time. Findings suggest possible open-ended vocal learning, a rare trait in hummingbirds. The study highlights parallels between human and animal communication, showing that even small birds possess complex, learned, and evolving vocal systems.