Dr. Clay Butler

Interests

Linguistic Pragmatics
Linguistic Politeness
Sociolinguistics

Education

Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin
M.A. University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Baylor University

Courses Taught

• ENG 3302: Modern English Grammar
• ENG 3310: Introduction to Linguistics
• LING 1305: Language in Society
• LING 3319: Language and Culture
• LING 4302: Semantics and Pragmatics

Bio

Clay Butler's academic interests center on how language functions in real-world settings. His areas of specialization include linguistic pragmatics (how language is used in actual conversations), linguistic politeness (how appropriate relationships are negotiated through talk), sociolinguistics (how language reflects and shapes social identity), and linguistic anthropology (how language and culture interact).

Dr. Butler was named Outstanding Faculty for 2024–2025, an award recognizing excellence across teaching, research, committee service, student mentorship, and community and church engagement. It is especially meaningful as recipients are selected by their colleagues.

For a decade, Dr. Butler served as faculty-in-residence, primarily in the all-male Martin Hall, where he supported first-year students in their transition to college life and the discovery of their academic paths.

He is also passionate about leading study abroad programs. For many years he guided student trips to Peru, and he currently directs a summer program in New Zealand. Learn more on the program's website:
Baylor in New Zealand