Hilal Ergül

Hilal is an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL. She currently teaches courses in second language acquisition processes, language teaching methodology, and the intersection of language and culture. Like her teaching, Hilal's research interests also revolve around second language acquisition and pragmatics. Her research specializes in teacher feedback in language classrooms and the effectiveness of the feedback based on nonverbal behavior, smiling, and mitigation. Hilal's research also explores the pragmatics of humor and smiling in general.

Hilal holds a P.h.D. in English, a master's in English Linguistics, and a bachelor's in English Language Teaching (i.e., the European equivalent of TESOL) with a minor in Psychological Counseling. She has taught English as a Foreign Language in Europe, English as a Second Language in the US, and Turkish as a Foreign Language in Europe and the US. During her tenure in education, she has also taught writing, research, and linguistics courses in US college settings.