Phoebe Tay is a Deaf Singaporean researcher, educator, and writer who has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of Deaf identity, language ideologies, and educational practices. Currently a PhD candidate at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, Tay's work delves into the construction of language teacher identities among Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) instructors, examining how ideologies of deafness and multilingualism influence teaching practices and linguistic differentiation in the classroom.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Singapore, Phoebe Tay completed her primary and secondary education there before relocating to Australia at the age of 17. She pursued a Bachelor of Education in Special Education with a focus on Deaf Education at Griffith University in Brisbane, where she graduated in 2008. Following her studies, Tay worked as a teacher of the Deaf in both Deaf and mainstream schools in Melbourne, gaining firsthand experience in Deaf education and advocacy[1].
Academic and Professional Development
Tay's academic journey continued at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where she earned dual Master of Arts degrees in International Development and Linguistics in 2017. During her time at Gallaudet, she received the Graduate Research Award for her project on the historical account of the Singapore Deaf community[1][2].
Her professional experience includes serving as a Linguistic Research Specialist for the Deaf Bible Society in Arlington, Texas, from November 2018 to June 2020. In this role, she contributed to linguistic research and documentation efforts aimed at supporting Deaf communities globally[1].
Doctoral Research
In 2021, Tay began her doctoral studies at NTU's Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Global Asia, specializing in linguistics and sociology. Her research focuses on the construction of language teacher identities among SgSL instructors, investigating how language ideologies and perceptions of Deafness impact identity formation and teaching practices. Her dissertation, titled "Navigating language ideologies in a multilingual context: Teacher Identities of Deaf Sign Language Instructors in Singapore," is set to be submitted in 2025[3].
Tay's research employs methodologies such as narrative interviews and photo-elicitation techniques to explore the processes of iconization, fractal recursivity, and erasure in sign language instruction. These processes reveal how linguistic differentiation occurs among Deaf individuals and how language ideologies shape their perceptions and practices[3].
Advocacy and Writing
Beyond her academic pursuits, Tay is a passionate advocate for Deaf rights and education. She has written extensively on topics related to Deaf culture, identity, and multilingualism. Her work aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Deaf individuals and promote linguistic justice and inclusive education practices. She has also participated in Deaf writing workshops and events, including the "Through Deaf Eyes" performances at the Melbourne Writers' Festival in 2012, which showcased the voices of Deaf writers[4].
International Engagement and Recognition
In May and June 2023, Tay served as a visiting scholar at Heriot-Watt University's SIGNS@HWU group, focusing on sign language studies and Deaf studies. This opportunity allowed her to collaborate with international researchers and further her understanding of global perspectives on Deaf education and linguistics[2].
Her contributions to the field have been recognized through various awards and scholarships, including the NTU Research Scholarship, the Gallaudet University Graduate Writing Research Award, and the PEO International Peace Scholarship[1][2].
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional endeavors, Tay enjoys activities such as reading, writing, hiking, running, strength training, and traveling. She values personal development and maintains a strong connection with her family and friends[1].
- Tay, P. (2025). About. Phoebe Tay. Retrieved from https://www.phoebetay.com/about-7
- Tay, P. (2025). Curriculum Vitae. Phoebe Tay.
- Tay, P. (2025). Phoebe Tay | Multi-Net Research Lab. Blogs@NTU.
- Tay, P. (2014). Phoebe Tay: Interview with a Deaf Writer. Deaf Unity.
