Language and education

Language and education

Getting to the CoRe: Receptive multilingualism in higher education

Dutch or English as working language in meetings and administration in higher education? Why not Dutch and English?

On one hand a Dutch language policy can create a language barrier for international colleagues. On the other hand, an English language policy can create a language barrier for Dutch-speaking colleagues. The CoRe research project proposes that both Dutch and English could simultaneously be the working languages of representative bodies, fitting into the bilingual language policy implemented at Utrecht University (2022). [Click here for the Dutch webpage / Klik hier voor de Nederlandse webpagina]

Receptive multilingualism as a multilingual solution

The language mode Receptive Multilingualism could be a solution. Other terms are Luistertaal or Lingua Receptiva. Dutch speakers can communicate (speak/write) in Dutch and non-Dutch speakers in English, under the condition that both can understand (read/listen) each other’s language. This way, both groups can participate in work and participatory body meetings. Thus, a bilingual language policy including Dutch and English creates an inclusive and academic environment for everyone.

Getting to the CoRe: research on receptive multilingualism
(CoRe: a Communicative Receptive approach to language learning and mutual understanding in multilingual academic contexts)

The NWO-funded CoRe project (2023-2027) investigates receptive multilingualism in an academic context. The principal investigator is Prof. Dr. Rick de Graaff (r.degraaff@uu.nl).

Sub-project 1 analyzes the authentic multilingual discourse in meetings of participatory bodies. Sub-project 2 investigates which cognitive processes underlie receptive multilingualism focusing on Dutch language learners. Sub-project 3 aims to evaluate and improve the receptive Dutch course for meetings and administration.

Furthermore, the CoRe researchers organize the Workshop Multilingual Meetings and the language course Receptive Dutch for administration and meetings to offer insights and tools for multilingual academic contexts.

 

The CoRe- team

  • Rick de Graaff (UU) – Professor of Foreign Language Education and Bilingual Education and principal investigator and supervisor sub-project 2 and 3
  • Jan D. ten Thije (UU) – Professor Emeritus Intercultural Communication and supervisor sub-project 1
  • Madison Steele (UU) – PhD candidate, sub-project 1
  • Natalia Rivera-Vera (UU) – Postdoc researcher, sub-project 2
  • Kimberly Naber (UU) – PhD candidate, sub-project 3
  • Trenton Hagar (UU) – Researcher and supervisor sub-project 3
  • Max van Amstel (UU/UCU) – Receptive Dutch course teacher
  • Ize van Gils (UU) – Student-assistant
  • Sofía Zarlenga (UU) – Intern
  • Mariia Ralko (UU) – Intern

To achieve effective receptive multilingualism, the CoRe project facilitates the course Receptive Dutch, in which international employees learn to comprehend (reading/listening) Dutch without relying on their productive skills (speaking/writing). In this manner, the focus lies more on understanding Dutch (listening/reading) and English can be used for production (speaking/writing). International staff members can apply via the development guide and international students who wish to enroll or receive more information can contact multilingualism@uu.nl. 

The preceding project Meertaligheid en Medezeggenschap (M&M), which translates to Multilingualism and Participation, created this receptive Dutch course. Moreover, after investigating multilingual situations within and outside the UU, the M&M project developed tools and services: a Toolkit for Multilingual Meetings, a Workshop for Multilingual Meetings, and a language choice model. 

Research progress

Agenda

  • 06-06-2024 | Anéla Conference Gent: Applied Linguistics across boundaries
  • 28-09-2024 | BVNT2 Conference Antwerp