Grady to discuss experiences as a cognitive linguist

Dr. Joseph Grady, senior fellow for public policy at the Pell Center, will discuss “Public Interest Communication: Talking to the Public About Everything from Global Warming to the Arts” during a presentation scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, March 27 in the McKillop Library.

Grady will discuss his experience over the past 15 years working with nonprofits and foundations to figure out better ways of talking about important issues, from global warming to nuclear weapons to the economy and the arts. He will give examples of how his expertise as a linguist helps nonprofits develop more effective ways of reaching their audiences.

A cognitive linguist, Grady’s academic research and publications have focused on the ways in which understanding and communication are shaped by universal metaphorical patterns. He has taught linguistics at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland, and also spent a number of years as a consultant helping to analyze and develop brand names.

Grady received his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.