Coronat Scholar Aaron Lener is already making headlines here at Syracuse for his work in linguistics. At a welcome event before classes even started, Aaron talked with Professor Christopher Green and joined his project exploring a small group of languages spoken in Nigeria–and he wasted no time getting to work.

Professor Green’s research group aims to create the first dictionaries and understand the grammar of 20 to 25 Jarawan languages. As part of this research group, Aaron focuses on Jhar. He estimates that this language is spoken by 20,000 people in Nigeria. Studying Jhar not only helps Aaron understand how native speakers communicate complex ideas and feelings in their native language, but might also shed light on migration patterns in Africa and affirm to native speakers that their language is important to others around the globe.

Aaron’s college essays and Coronat Scholarship interview focused on linguistics. His passion for the subject was immediately clear, and we are not surprised to see the great strides he has already made here at Syracuse. Great work, Aaron!

Read the full Syracuse.edu article about Aaron's research and professional goals.