Forschungsschwerpunkt: Multilingualism

Projektdetails

Hochschule
Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich
Sprache
Projektleitung gesamt
Erling, Elizabeth; Dr.
Projektleitung intern
Erling, Elizabeth; Dr.
Interne Projektmitarbeiter/innen
Wagner, Thomas; HS-Prof. Mag. Dr. Prof.
Externe Projektmitarbeiter/innen
Kooperationspartner
Laufzeit
2024 – 2028
Beschreibung
Ungspråk-Ö builds upon pioneering work from the original Norwegian Ungspråk project, which explored multilingualism in secondary school learners of English and its implications for English language education and educational policy. Building on this work, we aim to explore the lan-guage repertoires and beliefs about multilingualism (BAM) among lower secondary school stu-dents, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This research is motivated by the recognition of a critical gap in understanding language learning dynamics among this demo-graphic within the Austrian educational landscape. Research questions guiding Ungspråk-Ö are multifaceted. Firstly, we seek to validate the questionnaire used in the original Ungspråk project for the Austrian context. This involves ensuring that the questionnaire accurately captures the nuances of language repertoires and beliefs among Austrian students. Secondly, we aim to iden-tify predictors of multilingual identities, examining factors such as language habits, migration background, extracurricular activities, and stays abroad. Thirdly, we explore potential differ-ences in multilingual identities between students attending vocationally oriented middle schools (MS) and academically oriented general academic secondary schools (AHS). Finally, we investi-gate the influence of foreign language enjoyment and motivation on multilingual identities, seek-ing to understand in how far both constructs predict BAM, and how these factors interact with school type. Methodologically, Ungspråk-Ö adopts an exploratory mixed-methods convergent parallel design. This approach allows for the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of language learning dy-namics. The translation of the questionnaire into German and its adaptation to the Austrian context precedes validation studies with small-scale samples and large-scale surveys involving approximately 400 lower secondary students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Statistical analyses include exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, mixed ordinal regression, and member checking for data triangulation, ensuring the robustness and reliability of our findings. Ultimately, the findings of Ungspråk-Ö have the potential to inform targeted educational strate-gies aimed at improving English language education outcomes, particularly among students from marginalized backgrounds. By understanding and addressing the diverse linguistic needs and multilingual resources of lower secondary school pupils, Ungspråk-Ö will be instrumental in helping acknowledge these premises as pedagogical assets and affordances.
Beschreibung (engl.)
URL
Bericht