ERIC Number: EJ1244461
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0026-7902
EISSN: N/A
Negotiating the Multilingual Turn in SLA: Response to Stephen May
Modern Language Journal, v104 n1 p304-308 Spr 2020
In volume 103 of "Modern Language Journal," Stephen May suggested that the "multilingual turn" has not fully delivered on its promises, pointing out second language acquisition (SLA) researchers' continued focus on parallel monolingualisms rather than on dynamic bi/multilingualism, the lack of theorization of historicity in sociolinguistic research on the latter, the balkanization of academic knowledge preventing transdisciplinary scholarship, and West-centered methodological nationalism. While I agree with his points, I believe the solution requires more than critical reflexivity, reading beyond our areas of interest, and relinquishing fast-held methodological principles. Scholarly hegemony and disciplinary elitism exist because we are more than minds touting theories and epistemologies. We must acknowledge how we, as researchers, seek cultural prestige and economic well-being by affiliating with the global North and its mechanisms for knowledge production. Given this, I discuss what scholars in both the global North and South can do to reform the discipline to address May's concerns, in terms of 1 action those in the global South must consistently attempt, and 4 responsibilities of those in the global North.
Descriptors: Multilingualism, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Language Research, Criticism, Interdisciplinary Approach, Monolingualism, Bilingualism, Western Civilization, Research Methodology, Non Western Civilization, Cultural Influences, Developing Nations, Developed Nations, Researchers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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