Introduction to Multilingualism

obligatory courses

Classroom

The purpose of this course is to explore theories and practices of multilingualism at the broadest levels of society. Themes to be covered include: discourses and ideologies about multilingualism across societies; the relationship between individual and societal multilingualism; multilingualism in particular domains such as government, the media, and the workplace; and linguistic landscapes

The course objective is to introduce students to the multifaceted field of multilingualism in light of the growing influence of processes of globalisation and super-diversity. In this course we will highlight and analyse multilingual speech communities and examine language choice patterns in these communities with reference to current language policies and ideologies. We will also look at the phenomenon of multilingualism from different angles: education, family, society, etc. Last but not least, socio-economic, cognitive and linguistic advantages stemming from the phenomenon of multilingualism in multilingual global and super-diverse contexts will be highlighted. To the extent possible, students will interact with agents of multilingualism in communities and engage in small-scale empirical research related to multilingualism.

Topics

Introduction to the course: overview, requirements, assignments

Historical perspectives of language contact

Patterns of societal multilingualism: Ukraine, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong and China, South

Africa, Nigeria

Old and new linguistic minorities

Individual multilingualism

The interplay between individual and societal multilingualism

Revitalization of endangered languages

Flexible vs. fixed multilingualism

Mother-tongue education or literacy bridges?

Heritage language education

Multilingual language competence and use

Institutional discourses on language and migration

Media representations of multilingualism

Multilingual education and literacies

Final assessment

Primary sources:

1/ Weber, J.J. & K. Horner (2012) Introducing Multilingualism. Abingdon: Routledge

2/ Stavans, A & Ch. Hoffmann (2015) Multilingualism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Additional sources:

1/ Martin-Jones, M., A. Blackledge & A. Creese (2015) The Routledge Handbook of Multilingualism. Abingdon: Routledge

2/ Blackledge, A. & A. Creese (2010) Multilingualism: A Critical Perspective. London: Bloomsbury

3/ Cenoz, J. & F. Genesee (1998) Beyond Bilingualism: Multilingualism and Multilingual Education. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters

4/ Li Wei & P. Auer (2007). Handbook of Multilingualism and Multilingual Communication. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.

5/ Bhatia, T. K. & W. C. Ritchie (2014) The Handbook of Bilingualism and Multilingualism. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:

-at an advanced level conceptual and terminological apparatus in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-at an advanced level main directions of development and the most important achievements in the area of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-at an advanced level contemporary research trends in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-the latest research methodology used in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology

Skills: the graduate is able to:

-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)

-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources

-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods

-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions

-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism

-independently develop and give an oral presentation on a selected topic in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism using source literature

-formulate, analyse and synthesise research problems in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism and select adequate methods and tools to solve these problems, present the developed issues using various forms and methods

-work independently and in a group to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-use the English language in speech and writing compliant with the requirements set out for the B2+ level according to CEFR

Assessment

Attendance: 10%

Participation: 20%

Final Assignment: 70%

Marking/ grading scale:

over 91% – 5

90%-81% – 4+

80%-71% – 4

70%-61% – 3+

60%- 51% – 3