Jan Edwards studies language and literacy development in children from a wide range of language experiences, including children who speak non-mainstream dialects of English or different first languages as well as children with cochlear implants or autism spectrum disorders. She is particularly interested in how children learn the sounds and words of their language and how this relates to language skills, literacy, and school success. She is looking forward to working with the SSHRC Oral Language and Literacy groups on issues related to how speaking a non-mainstream dialect impacts both spoken and written language comprehension.