Modular facultative lecture:Multilingualism – key issues and perspectives 3200-L1-MPF-WKZ
The course offers an accessible introduction to the ways multilingualism operates within individuals, communities, and societies. Students will explore how people learn and manage multiple languages, how the brain supports these abilities, and how everyday practices—such as code-switching—shape communication. We will also examine language attitudes, the dynamics of multilingual families and schools, and the role of mobility and globalization in shaping linguistically diverse areas. Attention will be given to language policy, digital communication, and the multilingual demands of contemporary workplaces. By the end of the course, students will be able to observe and describe multilingual phenomena using basic analytical tools.
The list of detailed topics covered during the course includes:
Introduction to Multilingualism: Key Concepts
Becoming Multilingual: Developmental Paths
Multilingual Learning Processes
Neurolinguistic Perspectives on Multilingualism
Code-Switching and Everyday Multilingual Practices
Language Attitudes and Ideologies
Multilingual Families and Communities
Multilingualism in Schools
Migration, Mobility, and Multilingual Cities
English as a Lingua Franca & Global Communication
Language Policy
Multilingualism in Digital Spaces
Multilingualism in the Workplace
Researching Multilingualism
Student workload – 75 hours – 3 ECTS credits
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
K1_W02 – knows the basic terminology used in research on multilingualism.
K1_W04 – has an outline knowledge of the main directions of development and the most important recent scientific achievements in research on multilingualism.
K1_W05 – knows and understands the specificity of contemporary linguistic paradigms applied in research on multilingualism.
K1_W06 – knows and understands the links between research on multilingualism and other scientific fields and disciplines.
Skills
K1_U01 – is able to critically analyse texts within the field of multilingualism research and develop professional skills related to this area.
K1_U02 – possesses basic research skills; is able to formulate research problems and use research tools of applied linguistics (in the field of multilingualism research); is able to appropriately select methods for solving problems within multilingualism research.
K1_U06 – is able to prepare written work on topics related to multilingualism using fundamental theories from applied linguistics.
K1_U07 – is able to prepare oral presentations based on appropriately selected source materials and basic theoretical approaches in multilingualism research.
K1_U10 – is able to appropriately apply theoretical knowledge from multilingualism research in typical professional situations, including teamwork projects, also those of an interdisciplinary nature.
K1_U11 – is able to independently acquire knowledge in the field of multilingualism research, guided by the supervisor’s recommendations; can assess the usefulness of the methods, practices, and procedures learned for their own professional activity.
Social Competences
K1_K02 – is ready to critically assess their own level of knowledge in the field of multilingualism research.
K1_K04 – is prepared to undertake actions in interlinguistic/multilingual communication that serve to preserve the cultural heritage of a given region or country.
K1_K06 – is ready to cooperate and work in a group, taking on various roles (including the role of linguistic and cultural mediator) and ensuring adherence to professional ethics.
Assessment criteria
participation in class discussions – 20%
completion of two mini-projects – 40% + 40%
Two unexcused absences are allowed.
The rules for passing during the resit session remain unchanged.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Aronin, Larissa & Singleton, David. Multilingualism. Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins, 2012.
Edwards, John. Multilingualism: Understanding Linguistic Diversity. London & New York: Continuum / Bloomsbury, 2012.
Auer, Peter & Wei, Li (Eds.). Handbook of Multilingualism and Multilingual Communication. Berlin & New York: Mouton de Gruyter, 2007.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: