Ethnography and Modern Languages

Abstract

order to ensure transparency in the development of this document, it arose from a Translating Cultures and Cross-Language Dynamics: Reshaping Community (School of Advanced Study) workshop hosted at the Institute of Modern Languages Research in November 2017 and the ideas within are consequently indebted to all those who contributed to the day (see Wells for details of all of the speakers at the event, in addition to F. Carpenedo, B. Spadaro and G. Wall who took detailed notes). An initial document was subsequently drafted by N. Wells and C. Forsdick, and circulated to all speakers and attendees for further comment. The authors listed alphabetically here are those who contributed with valuable additional responses, suggestions and comments and who subsequently were actively consulted and involved in producing the final version.

Learning Irish amid controversy: how the Irish Language Act debate has impacted learners of Irish in Belfast

“…An ethnographic approach was taken to the fieldwork, as at a time of increased attention and tensions around Irish and its role in society, a degree of sensitivity and understanding was vital so as to be able to conduct deep, semi-structured interviews with the adult learners of Irish attending these classes in Belfast. Ethnography promotes a greater reflection on the world around us (Wells et al 2019), and in the context of this research, it also contributes to a decentring of conventional stereotypes around languages in Northern Ireland. Through the building of accounts around the emic perspectives of participants (Da Costa Cabral 2018, 280) the researcher was able to construct a deeper understanding of such a politically sensitive context.…”

Covid-19: Methodological Considerations, Design and Experience in Linguistic Landscape Studies

“…As a postgraduate student conducting research in the LL with a particular interest in understanding the intent of those who erect signs and how they are interpreted by individuals viewing them, I have always been keen to conduct mixed-method research. Wells et al (2019) summarize the evolution of approaches to working with people as a resource to draw out rich data in research; in the context of LLS, Scollon and Scollon (2003) describe the embodied nature of LLs, the importance of understanding how different people create, change and experience spaces, and how their life experiences impact their positionality. This section will discuss the benefits of and options for interviewing and remote observation considered during the initial design, which included alternative approaches to gathering and making ethnographic insights for my analysis as well as the potential to reintroduce participant observation in the field as restrictions eased.…”

Breaking Down Barriers to Science Education: Evaluating the Readability of Science Textbooks for second-grade Secondary Students in Jordan

“…An article's readability is directly proportional to the quality of its writing. Readers tend to have an easier time following a piece of writing that more closely mimics the rhythms of spoken language (Chen & Meurers, 2019;Wells et al, 2019).…”