Language Cultures examines the relations between language, text, and culture. This topic covers a broad field of research that includes linguistics (theoretical, applied, descriptive), sociolinguistics, semiotics, rhetoric, multimodality/intermediality, literacy, genre studies, and text and discourse analysis. Language Cultures examines the social and communicative practices of individuals and groups in different situational and cultural contexts. Research areas can include learning environments and learning situations, workplaces, social movements, popular culture, mass-communicative and social media, and other forms of community.
Examples of overarching research questions are:
- What are the relations between language, text, and culture in particular situations, and what might these relations tell us about communities and/or individuals?
- What implications might increased knowledge and understanding of language, text, and culture have for formal, informal, and non-formal learning?
- What roles do language and other forms of expression play in creating, maintaining, and challenging communities of shared interests in digital and analogue spaces, and in public and non-public spheres?
- How do social and linguistic factors effect participation in public and non-public spaces?
- How might increased knowledge and understanding of language, text, and culture be transformative for communities and individuals.
The description and research questions above are meant as guidelines and can be amended in consultation with researchers and research groups.