The integration of multilingual practices in language learning advising has emerged as an important aspect of promoting metareflexion and effective language acquisition, enhancing language learning strategies and helping students to overcome some internal difficulties. However, the development of multilingual counseling and multilingual-based language learning advising still remains a desideratum both in research and in the professionalization of prospective foreign language teachers.

This study explores the integration of multilingual approaches in language learning advising, with a specific focus on the perspectives and practices of novice advisors in the context of German as a Foreign Language. After giving a brief insight into the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of integrating multilingual approaches in foreign language learning advising, the research design and some of the findings derived from the analysis of the interactional data (based on interactional linguistics and content analysis) are presented.

The dataset comprises audio recordings of ad hoc (15 hours) and longitudinal language learning advising meetings (135 hours), complemented by reflections from novice advisors obtained during team meetings following advising sessions (8 hours). The analysis part is organized in three sections:

1. Novice Advisor perspectives and perceptions, on the basis of their reflections of challenges and functional potential of multilingual practices;
2. Insights into the role of L1-referencing in advisory ad-hoc action, balancing between burden, impulse, and resource;
3. Case-based longitudinal insights into the emergence and adaptation of different practices over time.

The analysis chapters are rounded off with a brief insight into the action-based research practice, discussing some practical implications for professionalization of novice teacher for integrating multilingual practices into language learning advisory process. Conclusion outlines some avenues for future research in the interface of foreign language learning advising and multilingualism.

Milica Lazovic

About the Higher seminar in Research on Bilingualism