Research Methods in Bilingualism and Multilingualism
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23698464 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Eva Vetter (0000-0003-0504-6991, University of Vienna, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-6 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-26 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal20233 |
| OpenAlex | W7140878427 |
| ISBN | 9781405198431 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 13 |
This contribution offers a concise overview of research methodologies employed in the study of bilingualism and multilingualism over the past decade. Building on earlier contributions to the Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics , it identifies key methodological trends based on a systematic literature review. Three main orientations are outlined: (a) surveys and questionnaires, widely used to examine language use and proficiency—often in digital formats and incorporating both quantitative and qualitative elements; (b) experimental, predominantly quantitative methods, particularly within cognitive and psycholinguistics, including tools such as Stroop tasks and eye‐tracking to investigate language activation and control mechanisms; and (c) qualitative and ethnographic approaches that conceptualize multilingualism as lived experience. These often include innovative visual data collection methods such as photographs, drawings, and digital visualizations. In addition, the review highlights the emergence of interdisciplinary methodologies that combine geospatial tracking, audio sampling, and ethnographic interviews to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of multilingual practices. Across these orientations, a growing shift toward mixed‐methods designs, digital innovation, and methodological creativity is evident. The article also underscores the increasing emphasis on multilingual, collaborative, and critical‐reflexive research practices, which aim to challenge linguistic and epistemic hierarchies and foster more equitable knowledge production within Applied Linguistics.
Affordance · Creativity · Data collection · Ethnography · Multilingualism · Neuroscience of multilingualism · Qualitative research
A systematic review of proficiency assessment methods in bilingualism research
Does early childhood multilingualism lead to enhanced executive functioning in early adulthood? A study examining inhibitory control (Stroop effect) in Swedish university students
Digital media as language and literacy learning spaces in multilingual families – survey results from Luxembourg
Does the Complementarity Principle apply to inner speech? A mixed-methods study on multilingual Chinese university students in the UK
Emerging principles for researching multilingually in linguistic ethnography
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |