To the Zoominar

For the passcode, please email jose.aleman.banon@biling.su.se.

We live in an inherently bi/multilingual world, where every individual—whether perceived as monolingual or bilingual—brings a unique set of linguistic and personal experiences. Yet, much of the language and cognitive sciences, as well as language teaching practices, continues to be shaped by monolingual norms—frameworks that assume language is learned and used in uniform ways. These models fail to capture the dynamic and diverse realities of language learning and use, particularly within bi/multilingual communities, whose rich identities and language practices are often undervalued or misrepresented.

This talk will present research findings from cognitive and language sciences that challenge these monolingual norms and views. By highlighting the fluid, dynamic nature of language learning and use for all individuals—and the unique ways bilingualism exemplifies this diversity—we will explore why transcending these problematic and questionable frameworks is essential. Moving beyond monolingual norms allows both science and teaching to more accurately reflect the richness and diversity of real-world language experiences. Practical strategies will be shared for reshaping research and teaching methods to collectively honor the full spectrum of linguistic experiences. By embracing this paradigm shift, we can create more inclusive, socially responsive practices that reflect the true diversity of language experience and use, promoting greater social justice, equity, inclusivity, and support for language learners and bi/multilingual communities across the world.

Alicia Luque