Deborah Fallows

Deborah Fallows, a linguist and author with a deep expertise in Chinese culture and language, has a rich academic background that spans both theoretical and applied linguistics. She holds an AB from Harvard and a PhD in Linguistics from Harvard University. She has previously served as the assistant dean in languages and linguistics at Georgetown University and has notable experience in research and polling for the Pew Internet Project. Additionally, she has held the position of director of data architecture for Oxygen Media.

Her extensive writing career includes contributions to The Atlantic, National Geographic, and Newsweek. Fallows has authored several influential books, including "A Mother’s Work," "Dreaming in Chinese," which explores Chinese life and culture through its language, and the national best-seller "Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America," co-authored with her husband, James Fallows. In 2021, "Our Towns" was adapted into an HBO documentary film, further amplifying its impact. She also has firsthand knowledge of China, having lived and worked there, which enriches her writing and research.

In 2021, Fallows co-founded the Our Towns Civic Foundation, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the civic and economic renewal of America’s towns. Her talks frequently address cultural nuances and the importance of effective communication, particularly between Western and Chinese counterparts, leveraging her linguistic skills to aid businesses and educational institutions in navigating international relations and multicultural integration.