Fei Yu

Fei Yu

  • tenure Track Assistant Professor, Modern Languages, Modern Languages
  • Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • M.A. Shanghai University
  • B.A. Taizhou University

Teaching Interests

Chinese for Working Professionals; Chinese for Business-Exploring Real Companies; Chinese Writing System and Calligraphy; Cultural Roots: Chinese Language & Culture for Heritage Learners; Chinese Conversation and Composition; Media Chinese; Chinese Cinema; Chinese Public Speaking; Chinese/English Interpretation; Chinese Language Immersion; Beginning Chinese; Intermediate Chinese; Advanced Chinese

Research Interests

Language learning motivation; Learner autonomy; Immersion education; Teacher education; Pedagogies; Curriculum design; Program development; Linguistic landscapes, Discourse analysis; Linguistic discrimination; Technology-enhanced learning; Second language acquisition

Bio

Dr. Fei Yu is an educator and researcher specializing in Chinese language, culture, intercultural communication, and applied linguistics. With extensive international experience in the United States, China, and Thailand, she is dedicated to helping students develop linguistic proficiency, cultural understanding, and global perspectives. Her teaching emphasizes active learning, critical inquiry, and the practical application of language and communication skills in diverse personal, academic, and professional settings. Her research explores issues of language, identity, and culture using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, while her service contributes to both university and professional communities.

Professional Memberships

  • American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Present
  • American Educational Research Association Present
  • American Association for Applied Linguistics Present
  • Chinese Language Teachers Association Present
  • New England Chinese Language Teachers Association Present

    • Awards and Honors

  • Nominated for the Joseph M. Cronin Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University
  • Faculty Summer Research Grant, Bentley University
  • Nominated for the Cronin Award for Excellence in Advising/Mentoring, Bentley University
  • Phi Sigma Iota Membership, International Foreign Language Honor Society
  • Faculty Summer Research Grant, Bentley University
  • Faculty Affairs Committee Grant, Bentley University
  • Performing Arts fund, Arts & Sciences Dean's Office
  • Distinguished Faculty Award, Framingham State University
  • Performing Arts fund, Arts & Sciences Dean's Office
  • Innovation in Teaching Grant, Framingham State University
  • Teaching with Technology Grant , Framingham State University
  • ACTFL/EMC School Scholarship, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
  • Africa Event Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    • Scholarly Contributions and Creative Productions

    Journal Articles

  • Yu, F. (2026). Visualizing the National Voice: A Multimodal Metaphor Analysis of Putonghua Promotion Posters. Multimodal Communication, (15) 2 241-254. (Link)
  • Yu, F. (2024). The dynamics of student motivation in learning Chinese: A case study. International Journal of Language Studies, (18) 3 107-130. (Link)
  • Yu, F. (2015). An analysis of pictures for improving reading comprehension: A case study of the New Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi. The Nebraska Educator, (2) 1-27. (Link)

    • Book Chapters

  • Yu, F., Moeller, A., Lu, J. (2023). Exploring Language and Culture in the Novice Chinese Classroom Through the Linguistic Landscape Spatializing Language Studies: Pedagogical Approaches in the Linguistic Landscape. Springer Cham (Link)

    • Conference Proceedings

  • Moeller, A., Yu, F. (2015). “NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do statements: An effective tool for improving language learning within and outside the classroom” Southern Conference on Language Teaching
  • Yu, F. (2009). “Revelation and insight-Experiences of teaching International Business Chinese.”
  • Yu, F. (2008). “The distorted truth: An interpretation of social rhetoric in Western news discourse.”

    • Other Scholarly Work

  • Yu, F. (2016). Motivation of High School Students in a STARTALK Chinese Immersion Program: A Mixed Methods Case Study. (Link).

    • Presentations

  • Yu, F. (2025). “The Promotion of Putonghua as the National Language of China: A Multimodal Metaphor Analysis” Presented at the American Association For Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Denver, Colorado
  • Yu, F. (2024). “The Adoption of Putonghua as a Predominant Language in China: A Discourse Analysis” Presented at the 21st International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) World Congress Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Yu, F. (2023). “Integrating Multimodality for Enhancing Chinese Language Instruction” Presented at the The 12th Annual Conference of the NECLTA International Conference on Learning and Teaching Chinese Language and Culture Medford, MA.
  • Yu, F. (2022). “The Use of Multimodality in Language Classroom” Presented at the Nebraska Department of Education World Language Branch & CLTA-SIG 12 Classroom & Methodology Guest Speaker Series Omaha, NE
  • Yu, F. (2019). “Beyond classroom: Learning Chinese Language and Culture through Field Trip.” Presented at the The 8th Annual Conference of the NECLTA-International Conference on Learning and Teaching Chinese Language and Culture Boston, MA
  • Yu, F. (2018). “Learning Chinese in the Linguistic Landscape of Boston Chinatown.” Presented at the Framingham State University A Day in May: A Celebration of Teaching, Scholarship, and Creativity Framingham, MA
  • Yu, F. (2016). “Motivation of Students in an Immersion Program: A Mixed Methods Study.” Presented at the ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo. Boston, MA

    • Service

    Service: Department

  • Faculty Mentor for Directed Study (Yee) 2025-09-01 - 2025-12-10
  • Faculty Advisor for Faculty Sponsor for Service-Learning 4th Credit Option 2026-01-11 - 2026-05-31
  • Task Force Member for Department Core Curriculum Five-Year Review 2026-02-24 - 2026-03-31
  • Task Force Member for Department Mission Statement Review 2026-02-02 - 2026-02-27
  • Committee Member for Spanish Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor search committee 2024-09-01 - 2025-02-28
  • Committee Member for Bentley–Brandeis Chinese Program Exchange 2025-03-10 - 2025-03-14
  • Committee Member for Chinese Placement Test Redesign 2023-07-15 - Present
  • Faculty Advisor for Chinese minor 2023-09-01 - Present
  • Faculty Mentor for LCB-Chinese Learn & Lounge Meetings 2023-09-04 - Present
  • Task Force Member for Spanish Tenure-Track Assistant Professor On-site Visit 2023-10-01 - 2023-11-30
  • Committee Member for MLCH Courses Context & Perspective proposal and adjustment 2024-01-01 - Present
  • Task Force Member for Modern Languages External Review 2024-01-01 - 2024-12-31
  • Faculty Mentor for Chinese adjunct faculty 2023-01-01 - Present
  • Course Coordinator for Chinese New Course Proposals 2023-07-01 - Present
  • Faculty Advisor for Faculty Sponsor for Honors Project 2023-01-01 - 2023-12-31
  • Faculty Advisor for Faculty Sponsor for Service-Learning 4th Credit Option 2023-01-01 - 2024-05-31
  • Committee Member for ML Department Research, Teaching, and Service Benchmarks Proposal 2023-03-01 - 2023-05-31
  • Course Coordinator for Evaluated the courses in Bentley's study abroad programs and determined their corresponding Bentley credits 2022-09-01 - Present
  • Task Force Member for Modern Languages Award Ceremony 2023-01-01 - Present
  • Faculty Mentor for Directed Study (Benware) 2022-09-01 - 2022-12-16

    • Service: Professional

  • Ad Hoc Reviewer for Chinese Journal of Applied Linguistics 2025-01-01 - Present
  • Committee Member for "Chinese Bridge" Principals' Tour to China 2024-01-08 - 2024-12-31
  • Reviewer for Review Panel – 2024 AERA Annual Meeting 2023-07-31 - 2023-12-31
  • Ad Hoc Reviewer for Language Teaching Research 2023-09-04 - Present
  • Faculty advisor for 2023 National Chinese Speech Contest 2023-01-01 - 2023-12-31
  • Professional Development Coordinator for Chinese Language Teacher Association of Nebraska 2022-01-01 - Present
  • E-Board member for Chinese Language Teacher Association of Nebraska 2022-01-01 - Present
  • Faculty Sponsor for Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference 2021-01-04 - 2021-04-30
  • Chair and Discussant for Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference 2019-04-20 - 2019-04-21

    • Service: University

  • Senate Member for Faculty Senate 2025-07-01 - 2026-06-30
  • Committee Member for Nominations Committee 2025-07-01 - 2026-06-30
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Academic Exploration Day 2025-11-15 - 2025-11-15
  • Faculty Cohort member for Microsoft 365 Copilot Faculty Pilot Group 2025-11-07 - Present
  • Faculty Cohort member for Academic Innovation: Faculty Learning Community, "Pedagogy Unleashed" 2026-01-12 - 2026-05-31
  • Mentor (Faculty) for IFSA Shanghai Bentley campus visit 2024-11-06 - 2024-11-06
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Fall Open House 2024-10-05 - 2024-10-05
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Admitted Students Day 2025-04-12 - 2025-04-12
  • Mentor (Faculty) for The Annual Asian Culture Gala 2025-01-01 - 2025-04-30
  • Mentor (Faculty) for CET Beijing Bentley campus visit 2025-02-04 - 2025-02-04
  • Task Force Member for CLIC Future Vision 2023-10-02 - 2024-04-30
  • Task Force Member for Bentley 2023 & 2024 Lunar New Year Galas 2023-10-02 - 2025-02-28
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Academic Exploration Day 2023-11-04 - 2023-11-04
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Admitted Students Day 2024-04-06 - 2024-04-06
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Liberal Studies Major Advisor 2023-01-10 - 2023-04-30
  • Task Force Member for Event Organizer for Bentley Culture Fest 2022-11-25 - 2024-11-20
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Advisor for the English-Chinese Translation Project about Immunization Requirement Instructions, working with Bentley Health Center 2022-09-10 - 2022-12-15