Researching Language in Superdiverse Urban Contexts

Exploring Methodological and Theoretical Concepts

Edited by Clare Mar-Molinero

Publication date:

22 September 2020

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

234x156mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781788926461

This book contributes to understanding research approaches for studying multilingualism in the context of contemporary superdiversity, in environments that are being dramatically transformed by transnational migration and movement of peoples. It explores language in urban contexts: the city as a site for experimentation and creativity in language practices. This involves considering theoretical frameworks in which to examine these practices, but above all, it focuses on how we do, or could do, research into these language practices and their users. What methodologies are we using to understand urban linguistic contexts? What do we want to learn? The chapters explore complex and challenging situations, capturing the evolution of new forms of language practice and changing attitudes to language in the city.

Introduction: Clare Mar-Molinero

Chapter 1. Clare Mar-Molinero: Researching Multilingual Urban Contexts

Chapter 2. Jessica Bradley & James Simpson: Translanguaging Across Space and Place: Concept and Context

Chapter 3. Leonie Gaiser & Yaron Matras: Re-visiting ‘Community Language’: Arabic in a Western Global City

Chapter 4. Darren Paffey: Hispanic London: Language Ideologies, Policies and Practices

Chapter 5. Petros Karatsareas: Uncovering Variation Within Urban Multilingualism

Chapter 6. Naomi Wells: Language and Transgenerational Identity in Valparaíso’s Italian Community: Methodological and Theoretical Reflections

Chapter 7. Daniel McAuley and Janice Carruthers: Investigating Perceptions of Banlieue French: Problematising Theory and Methods

Chapter 8. Alfredo Escandón: Exploring Multilingualism in Urban Border Areas: The City of Tijuana

Conclusion: Clare Mar-Molinero

Index

Mar-Molinero brings together a set of outstanding contributions which move us forward in our understanding of multilingualism in superdiverse urban contexts. The emphasis on methods and research reflexivity makes the volume a very useful tool for investigating language in some of the major cities in Latin America, France and the UK.