The linguistics community honors the life and work of Robert “Bob” Bayley, who passed away on December 27, 2024. As Professor Emeritus of Linguistics at the University of California, Davis, a former president and longtime member of the American Dialect Society, and contributor to its journal American Speech, Bob left a legacy that shaped the study of language variation and socialization.

Bob’s academic journey began with a focus on medieval studies. After completing his undergraduate degree at Columbia University, he pursued an M.A. at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied Old English, Old Norse, and medieval Latin. He later transitioned to sociolinguistics during his time teaching at Merritt College in Oakland. The college’s community and the emerging work on African American English sparked his interest in language variation. His academic path eventually led him to Stanford University, where he earned a Ph.D. that united his interests in sociolinguistics and second language acquisition.

Bob’s work examined language variation, second language learning, and language use across different communities. His research extended across English, Spanish, Chinese, and American Sign Language (ASL). He explored how bilingual and second language speakers acquire and use patterns of variation in their speech. His published works included over 150 articles and chapters, as well as co-authored and co-edited books such as Language as Cultural Practice: Mexicanos en el Norte (2002, with Sandra Schecter) and The Oxford Handbook of Sociolinguistics (2013, with Ceil Lucas and Richard Cameron).

Bob was deeply involved in the study of sociolinguistic competence in second and heritage language speakers. He conducted studies that highlighted patterns in language use across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. He also contributed to documenting Black American Sign Language and its history. The recognition he received for this work included the Linguistics, Language, and the Public Award from the Linguistic Society of America in 2022.

Teaching formed a central part of Bob’s career. At UC Davis, he introduced many students to the field of sociolinguistics. He often spoke about the satisfaction he found in helping others discover the subject. “It’s exciting to introduce students to a field that means so much to me,” he once reflected. His students and colleagues valued his mentorship and his ability to inspire deep interest in linguistics.

Beyond his academic life, Bob had many interests. He was a lifelong fan of jazz and classical music. He also enjoyed attending his grandsons’ Little League games and treasured time spent with his family.

Over his career, Bob received many honors, including the Mentoring Award from the Linguistic Society of America in 2023 and fellowships from the American Dialect Society and the Linguistic Society of America. His many awards and achievements show his continuing influence on the field and his dedication to advancing knowledge about language and society.

Bob Bayley’s work will no doubt continue to guide and inform linguistics. His contributions to understanding how language varies and changes within and across communities leave an enduring impact. Friends, students, and colleagues will remember his thoughtful approach, his passion for the subject, and the generosity he showed throughout his career.

Remembrances and tributes will be shared at the 2025 ADS conference in Philadelphia. You can also see and hear Bob talk about his life and career in his own words in this video from 2019.