John U. Wolff

John U. Wolff was an American linguist and longtime Cornell University professor whose work centered on Austronesian languages, especially the languages of the Philippines. He taught in Cornell's Department of Linguistics and became widely respected for careful, wide-ranging scholarship on language history and structure.

He is especially known for major works on Cebuano and Proto-Austronesian, including a Cebuano dictionary and his research on Proto-Austronesian phonology. His writing reflects both scholarly depth and a strong interest in making complex language evidence usable for students, researchers, and serious readers.

At Cornell, his profile highlights his role as Professor Emeritus, reflecting a long academic career and lasting influence in linguistics. For listeners drawn to language, history, and the cultures of island Southeast Asia, his work opens a rich and fascinating field.