ReN Folk Linguistics

The AILA Research Network (ReN) on Folk Linguistics (formerly: Lay Theories and Folk Beliefs about Language(s), Language Learning and Communication) decided to change the name of the ReN to the shorter and more widely known Folk Linguistics. This is one of the results of the first workshop on December 5, 2009 in Salzburg at the ÖLT (Österreichische Linguistiktagung) and the subsequent discussion.

At the ReN workshop, we were able to welcome guest speakers to share their research findings with us. We would like to say thank you to Marie-Luise Voggler, Christiane Dalton-Puffer and Julia Hüttner for their interesting presentations. Furthermore, we are happy to welcome Dennis Preston as a new member of our ReN.

The next ReN workshop will take place in Bergen, Norway, from September 10-11, 2010. All interested researchers are invited to join us - please contact Martin Stegu (Martin.Stegu(at)wu.ac.at), Antje Wilton (antje.wilton(at)uni-erfurt.de) or Karol Janicki (karol.janicki(at)if.uib.no).

This webspace will soon provide more detailed information about the individual research interests of the ReN members and supply a comprehensive bibliography on folk linguistics.

ReN Outline

This research network comprises applied linguists who address various aspects of folk beliefs or lay theories as applied linguistic issues in their research. In general, the focus lies on beliefs on language and language learning and their relevance for decisions in people’s everyday and working lives, in particular in a language teaching context.

Well established in the study of second language acquisition, the quantitative as well as qualitative investigation of learner’s attitudes and beliefs provides insight into the motivational sources of language learning. Thus, knowing about folk beliefs can significantly improve the understanding of and the influence on teacher behaviour, teacher training, and the design of curricula and teaching materials.

More generally, the beliefs and decisions of the layperson have become more important and relevant for scientists of quite a number of disciplines mainly for two reasons: On the one hand the non-expert, lay person is flooded with a vast amount of information on any subject, and quite often this is scientific information diluted by didactic or journalistic procedures. The growing demand for information is reflected in the popularity of guide books, ‘docutainment’ programmes on television, presentations for the public on scientific topics as well as the introduction of systematic teaching of knowledge in early education. In addition, the internet makes information available on a large scale and of varying quality and detail. On the other hand, the growing trend of bringing one’s private opinion to public attention forces researchers to take more notice of such opinions and their relevance for people’s decision making processes. Chat shows and blogs are prime examples of settings in which lay people voice their opinions and theories.

These developments are becoming increasingly relevant for applied linguists especially in linguistically diverse regions. With the investigation of folk beliefs in areas that are relevant to the individual the linguist can gain insight into the formation processes, the manifestation in various forms of discourse and the relevance of such beliefs for people’s decisions and actions. Furthermore, the investigation of lay beliefs on the nature of translation and interpreting, language acquisition, multilingualism, language policy, intercultural and any other kind of communication problems etc. might raise the linguists’ awareness of people’s need for information on linguistic issues and might ultimately help to bring Applied Linguistics (and its researchers) to public attention.

Programme for Activities

The members of this ReN are currently engaging in the following activities:

• providing an overview of and bringing together the field of lay theories and folk beliefs about language(s), language learning, and communication as a distinct research area within Applied Linguistics;
• exchanging information with each other about the various aspects and findings in the field;
• document joint reseach activities in joint publications;
• fostering the multinational and multilingual potentials of the network;
• encouraging more new researchers to work on the topic of lay theories by promoting and supporting PhD studies and similar projects;
• preparing and holding a small conference this year in Bergen prior to AILA 2011;
• providing information on activities and news publications on this webspace;
• preparing a slot reserved for AILA Research Networks with a symposium at AILA 2011;
• bringing together the work of the three years in a joint anthology on the important aspects of this emerging topic to establish it as a relevant area in Applied Linguistics.

Current members

Prof. Dr. Martin Stegu (Convener)
Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria

Dr. Antje Wilton (Convener)
University of Erfurt, Germany

Prof. Dr. Karol Janicki
University of Bergen, Norway

Dr. Michael Pasquale
Cornerstone University, USA

Dr. Holger Wochele
Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria

Prof. Dr. Jarmo Lainio
Mälardalen University, Sweden

Prof. Dr. Dietmar Osthus
University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Prof. Dr. Paveau, Marie-Anne
University of Paris, France

Prof. Dr. Achard-Bayle, Guy
University of Paul-Verlaine-Metz, France

Dr. Alessia Cogo
University of Surrey, Great Britain

 

Prof. Dr. Dennis Preston

Oklahoma State University, USA