36 - On Language(s), Education and Dynamic Language Users

Summary

In the pages of this volume, authors have generously shared stories and perspectives – personal and professional – about their experiences at the intersections of Multilingualism and Education. While contributors have undoubtedly been privy to their students’ and their research participants’ language biographies, it has not been common in academic publications for researchers to also disclose their own language biographies. While some authors shared that they were uncomfortable with this exercise, we remain grateful for each individual who rose to the challenge. We invited a variety of researchers to take a singular look at crucial notions in our fields of research and pedagogical action. By bringing them together, we have chosen to lay the groundwork for a conversation that will lead researchers, educators and students to greater understanding of our use of these concepts, based on the acceptance and recognition of a fluid and changing reality that adapts and requires adjustments over time. This collection of papers makes visible how concepts and practices emerge and take shape differently across contexts. When we adopt an embodied listening posture, we can begin to imagine futures for our field that allow us to move forward, building knowledge and transforming practice together.