Language and education in transnational school careers: An introduction

Abstract

This special issue of the European Educational Research Journal (EERJ) addresses language and education in transnational school careers. The articles reflect an increased interest in transnationalization among members of the European Educational Research Association, Network on Language and Education (Network 31), and go back to a joint discussion in two sessions at the ECER 2019 Conference at the University of Hamburg. By focusing on research into multilingualism in transnational educational trajectories, the special issue links two research bodies that have so far existed separately: research on multilingualism and education, and research on transnational education. The contributions are situated in different national contexts and pursue a transnational perspective. They focus on different aspects in language-related transnational educational processes and center around challenges and possibilities that are encountered by individuals and families whose biographies are shaped by changes across national borders and educational systems. They also present and discuss different methodological frameworks and approaches, and a robust critique of monolingual educational institutions in Europe and beyond.