Current course offerings:
COMM 111 Introduction to Public Speaking (online)
COMM 260 Communication in the workplace
COMM 295 International and Development Communication
COMM 295 Communication in the Workplace (online)
COMM 451 Intercultural Communication
COMM 295 International and Development Communication
Specialties:
Intercultural Communication
International Communication
Workplace/Business Communication
Language and Communication
Indigenous Language Studies
Bilingual/Multicultural Education and Training
Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language
Professional Information:
Phyllis Ngai's research and teaching interests lie at the crossroads of language,
culture, communication, and public education. Dr. Ngai is the author and co-author of
three book chapters, one monograph, and several professional-journal articles on
intercultural communication training and bilingual\multicultural education. Her recent
research explored intercultural communication challenges and ways to negotiate agreements
regarding indigenous-language education in public-school districts with mixed Native and
non-Native populations on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana . Currently, she is
studying the value of indigenous-language learning in the global context. In addition to
research and teaching, she is working on a community-action service-learning project,
funded by grants from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Foundation and
the Montana Committee for the Humanities, that aims to facilitate Indian/non-Indian
partnerships for enhancing place-based multicultural education in urban public schools in
Montana . The current site for this pilot project is Lewis & Clark Elementary School (
Missoula ), where her twin boys attend school. While actively involved in scholarship,
teaching, and community service, Phyllis still finds time to enjoy the beautiful Montana
outdoors with her family. Her favorite pastimes include floating the Blackfoot River ,
reading on mountain lakeshores, enjoying summer sunsets in the Missions, and cross-country
skiing.
