How to research multilingually: Possibilities and complexities

Holmes, P.; Fay, R.; Andrews, J.; Attia, M.

How to research multilingually: Possibilities and complexities

Holmes, P.; Fay, R.; Andrews, J.; Attia, M.

Authors

Professor Prue Holmes p.m.holmes@durham.ac.uk
Professor

R. Fay

J. Andrews

M. Attia

Contributors

Zhu Hua
Editor

Abstract

This chapter aims to develop researchers’ awareness and understanding of the process of researching multilingually—where they must use, or account for the use of, more than one language in the research process. We provide a conceptual framework that guides researchers in: 1) realising that using more than one language is possible; 2) considering the interconnecting possibilities and complexities of researching multilingually, e.g. being reflexive and reflective, considering the spaces of the research, and the relationships entailed in the research context; and 3) becoming purposeful about the decisions they make in all phases of the research process, e.g. from the initial design of the project, to engaging with different literatures, to developing the methodology and considering all possible ethical issues, to generating and analysing the data, to issues of representation and reflexivity when writing up and publishing. The chapter draws on examples from the authors’ AHRC-funded network project Researching Multilingually (AHJ005037/1).

Citation

Holmes, P., Fay, R., Andrews, J., & Attia, M. (2016). How to research multilingually: Possibilities and complexities. In Z. Hua (Ed.), Research methods in intercultural communication : a practical guide (88-102). Wiley

Acceptance Date	Apr 22, 2015
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2016
Deposit Date	Jan 29, 2015
Publicly Available Date	Feb 4, 2015
Publisher	Wiley
Pages	88-102
Series Title	Guides to research methods in language and linguistics
Book Title	Research methods in intercultural communication : a practical guide.
Publisher URL	http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118837460.html