Research in the Centre
The main areas of research have been and are:
- Intercultural communication
- Multilingualism in Australia
- Australian English
- Aboriginal English
- Language and politics
- Language and culture
- Language and aging
- Language contact
- Language shift
- Language policy
- Sociolinguistic aspects of second language acquisition
- Bilingual education in schools
- English as an International Language
Some current and continuing projects in the Centre
Multilingualism in Australia
This includes large-scale census based and small-scale community and institution based studies (comparing language practices and maintenance/shift rates across and between languages), as well as comparative studies of community languages as used in Australia including grammatical change and switching patterns). One new project (in collaboration with the University of Melbourne) examines endangered Sudanese languages in Melbourne.
Connecting young second language learners and elderly bilinguals (German, Italian, Spanish) interconnectedness and social inclusion
This project, conducted in collaboration with MonRAS, focuses on the use of community language resources in second language acquisition. Specifically, it explores the learning and attitudinal gains of students, as well as the impact on older people's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Connecting young second language learners and elderly bilinguals (German, Italian, Spanish) interconnectedness and social inclusion
This project, conducted in collaboration with MonRAS, focuses on the use of community language resources in second language acquisition. Specifically, it explores the learning and attitudinal gains of students, as well as the impact on older people's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Communicating in English in our multicultural and globalised contexts
This project focuses on communicative styles in English as an international language, cultural variation in academic and professional discourse, as well as intercultural communication in the medical field, in the workplace, in business communication and in meetings.
Enhancing languages-in-education policies and improved practice in primary, secondary and tertiary programs
Research examines how cognitive benefits can best be achieved in practice. It includes studies of ethnic schools, language learning and online communication, students of different backgrounds, opportunities for second language learning and use in social and transactional networks, acquisition of academic English by international students, the language socialization of the second generation in the Australian academic context.
Dimensions of Australian English
This project explores variation and change in Australian English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and communicative styles. It examines school, gender, generation, and ethnicity as factors. The data is based on Year 10 students (across ten Melbourne schools), their families and friends, as well as rural Australian English from a pilot sample of the Western District. Research includes (im)politeness in language, attitudes to language, the discourse of inclusion / exclusion and of sexuality.
Indigenous languages of Victoria - revival and reclamation
This is an ongoing linguistic analysis of early published and archival material for the Indigenous languages of Victoria. This material is currently being made available on the web for the public and for educational purposes.
We hope to embark on a project that examines the sociolinguistic profile of southeastern Melbourne, the area around Monash University and Melbourne's most linguistically and culturally diverse region.
Aboriginal English and its implications for the education of Aboriginal children, intercultural communication, and politics
For example, an ARC-funded is currently exploring the failure of the education system in Australia to improve literacy outcomes for the vast majority of Aboriginal-English speaking students, a national issue of highest priority. A transcript of an interview relevant to this program of research can be found at: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/linguafranca/stories/2008/2305483.htm
Clash of political discourses
This research program examines the extent to which conflict between different nations is the results of misrepresentation of political discourse.
Cultural conceptualizations of Ageing
An international and national program research to explore concepts such as “successful” ageing in different languages and cultures.
English as an International Language
This research program focuses on a paradigm shift in the field English Language Teaching and sociolinguistics of English in the light of the globalization and internationalization the English language.