LLED Research Seminar
Thursday, Nov 6, 12.30-1.30, DLC
The multi/plural turn in applied linguistics and neoliberal multiculturalism
Ryuko Kubota
A trend in applied linguistics research has been to support pluralist perspectives of language, as seen in the popularity of such notions as multilingualism, multiliteracies, translanguaging, metrolingualism, World Englishes, and English as a lingua franca. They call into question a fixed understanding of linguistic forms and practices, encouraging us to explore multiplicity, hybridity, and fluidity. While the pluralist approaches conceptually parallel poststructuralism and postcolonial theory, they are also complicit with liberal and neoliberal multiculturalism which promote diversity but obscure social struggles and inequalities. More explicit attention to power and a theory/practice gap can enhance the criticality of multi/plural perspectives.
All welcome!
Feel free to bring your lunch
Upcoming LLED research seminar