Emerging principles for researching multilingually in linguistic ethnography: reflections from Botswana, Tanzania, the UK and Zambia

Citation

Reilly C, Costley T, Gibson H, Kula N, Bagwasi MM, Dikosha D, Mmolao P, Mwansa JM, Mwandia M, Mapunda G & James E (2023) Emerging principles for researching multilingually in linguistic ethnography: reflections from Botswana, Tanzania, the UK and Zambia [Ukulondolola imisango yakufwailisha ukupitila mu ndimi ishapusanapusana: Amatontonkanyo ukufuma ku Botswana, ku Tanzania, ku UK na ku Zambia]. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 44 (8), pp. 689-701. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2023.2194864

Abstract
This paper discusses collaborative ethnographic work investigating multilingualism within education in Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia. The paper takes a reflective perspective on how research is conducted and the role that multilingualism and collaboration can play in the research process itself. As a team of thirteen individuals, working across four countries, we bring a range of multilingual repertoires to the project. In this paper we discuss three principles which have been important in guiding our thinking and practice. These are: researching multilingually; researching collaboratively; and researching responsively. We discuss the rationale behind these principles and the role they play in our work. We then discuss challenges and successes which have emerged from implementing these principles in practice and use these to outline a framework that those interested in conducting similar work can use to guide their own thinking and practices. The data discussed in this article consist of a corpus of vignettes from members of the project team. Ten vignettes have been collaboratively analysed adopting a thematic analysis. Tasked with reflecting on, and evaluating, the principles the vignette data provide insight into the opportunities and challenges of working multilingually, collaboratively, and responsively within a team with diverse linguistic repertoires.

Keywords
Linguistic ethnography; methodologies; multilingualism; collaboration; researcher vignettes

Journal
Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development: Volume 44, Issue 8

People

Dr Colin Reilly

Lecturer in Linguistics, English Studies