LFU:online

Students gain an insight into current linguistic research questions and results and work under guidance on a concrete topic

In this course we will use qualitative methods to explore the question of how language/s and identity/s are connected.

Identities are partly a result of interactional negotiation, partly a construct of the perceptions and representations of others, and partly a result of larger ideological processes and structures. Language/s and identity/s are closely intertwined in this process: on the one hand, language serves as a shibboleth for social belonging; on the other hand, it is also the means by which we construct and legitimise similarity with or difference from others. However, in today's super-diverse societies with highly mobile and multilingual speakers, the relationship between language and identity is increasingly open to critical scrutiny.

In the VU we will first approach this complex topic area together on the basis of different qualitative theories and methods, after which the participants themselves will create and analyse a data corpus.

The VU is strongly based on a task-based exchange: Lecture, (preparatory) reading and discussion of research literature, collection and analysis of data, possibly field trip, final poster presentation.

portfolio of work assignments, scientific poster and poster presentation

announced during the course

For student teachers: If the course is to be credited as a seminar, a seminar paper must be written instead of the portfolio.