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The top of Pioneer Hall through vibrant fall leaves on the trees.

Sandra Elena Terra

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Sandra Elena Terra
Associate Professor of Spanish: Coordinator of the Spanish Program


Walker Hall 316

503-883-2544

sterra@linfield.edu

A native of Chile and Brazil, and a first-generation Latina immigrant to Oregon, Dr. Terra regularly promotes multilingualism and multiculturalism. Professor Terra teaches courses in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, language and identity, Spanish for health professions, as well as all levels of Spanish for both second language learners and heritage speakers. Her research explores multilingualism and language maintenance in diverse contexts. She is a nationally certified ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview Tester and medical interpreter.

Founder of Linfield’s Spanglish Day Celebration and advisor to the Spanish Club, Professor Terra is an active contributor to university events. Beyond Linfield, she serves as the president of the Confederation in Oregon for Language Teaching (COFLT).

Education

  • B.A., French, Oregon State University
  • M.A., Spanish, University of Oregon
  • Ph.D., second language acquisition, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Academic interests

Professor Terra's interests focus on exploring second language learning and improving pedagogical practices as well as investigating bilingual identities and the role of language maintenance in identity formation.