Deborah Fallows

Deborah Fallows is an American writer, linguist, and researcher known for her work on language, community, and life in small-town America. She is a senior fellow at the New America foundation and has contributed to publications like The Atlantic and National Geographic. Her collaborative work with her husband, James Fallows, on the revitalization of American communities has been widely influential.

Early life and education

Deborah Fallows was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up with a strong interest in language and culture. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later completed a Master of Arts in linguistics at the University of Texas at Austin, deepening her academic focus. Fallows ultimately received her Doctor of Philosophy in linguistics from the University of Michigan, where her research centered on language acquisition and sociolinguistics.

Career

After completing her doctorate, Deborah Fallows held research positions at Georgetown University and the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, D.C., contributing to studies on language policy and education. She served as an assistant dean at Georgetown University and later worked as a director of speech pathology at the Children's National Medical Center. Her writing career expanded with regular contributions to The Atlantic, where she explored themes of American life, technology, and community. In the 2010s, she and James Fallows embarked on a multi-year project traveling across the United States, which formed the basis for their influential book on civic renewal. She is currently a senior fellow at New America, focusing on issues of national identity and local resilience.

Personal life

Deborah Fallows is married to journalist and author James Fallows; the couple has collaborated extensively on writing and research projects. They have two sons and have lived in various locations across the country, including extended stays in Washington, D.C., California, and Iowa, which informed their work on American communities. Their shared travels for The Atlantic and subsequent book tours have been a central part of their professional and personal partnership.

Works

Deborah Fallows is the author of several books and numerous articles. Her first major work, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, published in 2010, draws on her experiences living in Shanghai and Beijing. Her most prominent publication is the 2018 book Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, co-authored with James Fallows, which documents their travels to dozens of small cities and towns across the United States. The book was later adapted into a HBO documentary series. Her articles and essays have appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Washington Monthly, often focusing on linguistics, travel, and civic life.

Awards and recognition

For Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, Deborah Fallows and James Fallows received the American Library Association's notable book designation. The work was also shortlisted for the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and praised by figures like Barack Obama, who included it on his recommended reading list. Her earlier book, Dreaming in Chinese, was recognized by the Asian American Writers' Workshop and received positive reviews in publications like The New Yorker. Fallows has been invited to speak at institutions including the Aspen Institute and the National Civic League.

Category:American writers Category:American linguists Category:1950 births Category:Living people