CONFERENCE: Research methodologies and research into regional or minority languages
Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK
9 and 10 July 2024
(A reasonably priced conference package is available including premium suite accommodation on campus and one day or two day fee options to attend)
This conference will consider methodologies to investigate the main challenges facing language policy makers and practitioners and how to tackle the more practical aspects of policy making and implementation in the field of regional or minority languages (by use the language of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages). Attention is also given to responding to Oakes' challenge of reconnecting with the interdisciplinary roots of language policy and planning by considering current multidisciplinary involvement with the field and the possibility of expanding that further. The challenge is to respond to the complexity and challenge of building connections across disciplines when researching regional or minority languages.
Key areas of interest in considering methodologies to research regional or minority languages will include:
- promoting the use of language, especially investigating the factors and values that affect the social use of language;
- include the voice of children and young people, and marginalized groups when researching regional or minority languages;
- investigating bilingualism;
- the potential of folk science in research in the field;
- methodologies for evaluating language policies and schemes that are part of public policy;
- language landscapes;
- research into technology and regional or minority languages and/or using technology as a
- research tool in research into these languages;
- multidisciplinary research and the challenges that call for multidisciplinary research, for
- example the impact of climate change on minority language communities, smaller languages and artificial intelligence.
In terms of the order of the workshop, the sessions will vary:
- sessions led by guest speakers
- panel sessions on paper presentation format, or panel discussion format
- academic posters
