Chaak-Ming Lau
劉擇明

I am a linguist specializing in Digital Humanities, Computational Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, and the Syntax of Interaction, with a particular focus on Cantonese and under-resourced languages.

I currently serve as Assistant Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Modern Language Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong, where I have been since July 2020. I also serve as Director of the Centre for Research on Linguistics and Language (since May 2024).

My research bridges linguistic theory and practical applications, developing digital tools and resources that support language learning, documentation, and revitalization. Major projects include TypeDuck (a Cantonese phonemic keyboard used by over 20,000 users worldwide), Words.hk (a large-scale open Cantonese dictionary with over 400 volunteer editors), and text-to-speech engines for Hong Kong's endangered Waitau and Hakka dialects.

I hold a Ph.D. in Chinese Language and Literature from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2019) and an M.Phil. in Linguistics from The University of Hong Kong (2009).

See Output for my publications and projects, or Experience for my professional background.

You can call me Chaak [tʃʰɑːk] in English or 阿擇 a3 zaak6 [a˧ tsaːk̚˨] in Cantonese.