CLER Conversations: Developing ‘good’ practice in multilingual research

Language education happens in any setting in which people of diverse linguistic, educational, cultural or social biographies communicate with one another through spoken, written or multimodal interaction. Much of this exchange happens in settings of formal education; in classrooms, schools, higher education institutions, digital platforms or adult education centres in which language instruction is a primary goal. But language education concerns are also relevant outside of formal education, when people learn to negotiate, honour or resolve their differences in their daily lives; in school yards, university residence halls, families, museums, galleries, churches, orchestra rehearsals, cafes, sports halls, village fairs or city markets. CLER is interested in investigating the role of language and its educational consequences for people and communities in all these settings.Our work is interdisciplinary (theoretically and methodologically, we draw on disciplines across social sciences and arts & humanities), collaborative (we work with diverse stakeholders in the educational, arts and public sectors), and has a global reach (our research and impact work spans Armenia, Cameroon, China, Chile, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Slovakia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and many others).Our current research programme focuses on two overarching themes: language and inclusive society and language and engaging pedagogies in linguistically and culturally diverse settings.

Centre for Language Education Research (CLER)

The development of 'good' practice across multiple languages...

Liberty Building (Moot Court) LT (1.28)

‘Researching multilingually’ refers to how researchers draw on their own, and others’ linguistic resources in the researching, reporting, and representation of all aspects of their studies where multiple languages are at play (Holmes et al., 2013). This talk will focus on the development of ‘good practice, as we operate, or support others who are operating, across multiple languages, whether as part of reviewing the literature, collecting and analysing data, and disseminating research findings and implications.Drawing insights from her recent research (Ganassin &amp; Holmes, 2020; Holmes et al., 2022), Dr Ganassin will share theoretical insights and methodological guidance around the role of languages and language choices in research processes. Attention will be given to the impact of language ideologies and existing linguistic hierarchies, on the importance of decentring and decolonising our thinking about languages, and taking a critical stance towards the language practices we and others employ in our research processes. T﻿he event will be followed by an informal networking opportunity with drinks and snacks. Please email Louise at L.williamslewis@leeds.ac.uk with any dietary or access requirements.ReferencesHolmes, P., Fay, R., Andrews, J. &amp; Attia, M. (2013). Researching multilingually: New theoretical and methodological directions. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 23(3), 285-299.Ganassin, S. &amp; Holmes, P. (2020). I was surprised to see you in a Chinese school’ Researching multilingually opportunities and challenges in community-based research. Applied Linguistics, 41(6), 827-854.Holmes, P., Reynolds, J. &amp; Ganassin, S. (2022). The Politics of Researching Multilingually. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

Dr Sara Ganassin is Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and Communication in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, Newcastle University, UK. Her research examines the interplay of language, culture, and identity in contexts of mobility and displacement. She has recently co-edited ‘The Politics of Researching Multilingually’ (Multilingual Matters, 2022) and ‘Reflexivity in Applied Linguistics Research: Opportunities, Challenges, and Suggestions’ (Routledge, in press).

CLER Conversations: Developing ‘good’ practice in multilingual research

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CLER Conversations: Developing ‘good’ practice in multilingual research

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