lntroduction to Multilangualism 3301-JF2714-2ST
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
1. Introduction to the course: overview, requirements, assignments
2. Historical perspectives of language contact
3. Patterns of societal multilingualism: Ukraine, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong and China, South Africa, Nigeria
4. Old and new linguistic minorities
5. Individual multilingualism
6. The interplay between individual and societal multilingualism
7. Revitalization of endangered languages
8. Flexible vs. fixed multilingualism
9. Mother-tongue education
10. Heritage language education
11. Multilingual education and literacies
12. Family language policy
13. Linguistic landscapes
14. Media representations of multilingualism
15. Final assessment
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of multilingualism within linguistics, K_W01
- describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research on multilingualism, K_W02
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to multilingualism, K_U01
- apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to multilingualism, K_U03
- analyze linguistic, literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level, K_U04
- discern alternative methodological paradigms within multilingualism, K_U05
- participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum, K_U08
- present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form, K_U09
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development, K_K02
- take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies, K_K03
- assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to multilingualism, K_K04
Assessment criteria
- attendance
- participation in discussions
- presentations
Two absences are allowed.
Active participation and tasks: 20%
One mid-term assignment (presentation): 30%
Final quiz: 50%
Bibliography
Primary sources:
1/ Buschfeld, S., P. Ronan & M. Vida-Mannl (2023) Multilingualism. A Sociolinguistic and Acquisitional Approach. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.
2/ 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
6/ Romanowski, P. & A. Seretny (Eds.) (2024). Polish as a Heritage Language Around the World. Selected Diaspora Communities. London: Routledge.
7/ Romanowski, P. (2021). Family Language Policy in the Polish Diaspora: A Focus on Australia. New York: Routledge.
8/ Romanowski, P. & M. Guardado (Eds.) (2020). The Many Faces of Multilingualism: Language Status, Learning and Use Across Contexts. Boston: De Gruyter Mouton.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: