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74307-01 - Research seminar: The Multilingual Turn in Second Language Acquisition: the Role of English in Multilingual Contexts (4 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Zeynep Köylü (zeynep.koylu@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This research seminar looks into the paradigm shift known as the "multilingual turn" (May, 2013) in second language acquisition (SLA) research in an attempt to understand the evolving role of English in multilingual settings. Drawing on research and theoretical perspectives, the course examines how multilingualism challenges traditional SLA frameworks with a normative and rather monolingual stance. Key topics to be covered include multilingual practice, competence, and identity building, translanguaging practices, cross-linguistic influence, some sociocultural dimensions of multilingualism, and the mediating role of English. Special attention will be given to the role of English as a global lingua franca and its interaction with other languages in diverse multilingual contexts, its role as a mediating language for multilingual acquisition, including educational, professional, and intercultural settings. Through evidence-based discussions, data analysis sessions, and discussions, students will critically evaluate the implications of the multilingual turn for [English] SLA research. Reference: • May, S. (2013). The multilingual turn: Implications for SLA, TESOL, and bilingual education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203113493 • May, S. (2019). Negotiating the multilingual turn in SLA. The Modern Language Journal, 103, 122–129. http://www.jstor.org/stable/45172045 |
| Learning objectives | • You will know and discuss the fundamental concepts pertained to multilingualism. • You will be able to identify the notion of English as a mediator language. • You will be familiar with the relevant research strand in [English] SLA. • You will be able to synthesize the literature these notions in a written assignment. • You will be able to investigate the role of English in shaping multilingual practices and identity development. • You will be able to collect and analyze data and how they relate to multilingualism and the role of English. |
| Bibliography | All course readings are accessible on the course platform ADAM. |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | Open to MA students of English and MSG Sprache und Kommunikation. |
| Course application | Please sign up for this course in services.unibas.ch. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 19.02.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 26.02.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 05.03.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 12.03.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Fasnachstferien |
| Wednesday 19.03.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 26.03.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 02.04.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 09.04.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 16.04.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 23.04.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 30.04.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 07.05.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 14.05.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 21.05.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 28.05.2025 | 16.15-18.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Modules |
Modul: English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Forschungspraxis und Vertiefung (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Modul: Research in English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Sprache als Prozess (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Attendance and active participation Data analysis assignment (working in pairs or small groups) Research report (working in pairs or small groups) on the role of English in multilingual contexts or multilingual language acquisition. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |