[ACLA-CAAL] MA Level Funding Applied Linguistics

[Nikolay Slavkov]

MA level graduate student funding available for two projects at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) of the University of Ottawa

Research Assistant positions (2-5 positions available, pending budget confirmation) for two research projects supervised by Prof. Nikolay Slavkov at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute of the University of Ottawa. These positions are linked to the MA program in Bilingualism Studies.

PROJECT 1: Family Language Policy

Description: This project focuses on families where children are exposed to two or more languages. It will collect data about parental questions and concerns regarding bi/multilingual child language development, home language use strategies, and school language choice and explore ways of optimizing children’s bilingual and multilingual outcomes. The project will also investigate parental beliefs, attitudes, underlying ideologies, myths or misconceptions about bi/multilingualism, and other factors that may cause tensions or that may complicate parents’ choices, decisions, and actions.  Ultimately, the project aims to offer strategic guidance to families in achieving harmonious bi/multilingualism and overall family well-being.

Activities (non-exhaustive list): The graduate student(s) will be involved in data collection and analysis, participate in interactions with families, review existing resources and curate additional resources, etc. They may also participate in project management and administration as well as in dissemination of project results, as appropriate. Opportunities for single or co-authored conference presentations and publications may be available.


PROJECT 2: The Linguistic Risk-Taking Initiative at the University of Ottawa

Description: This project capitalizes on the notion of linguistic risk-taking and focuses on a new pedagogical initiative at the University of Ottawa. Linguistic risks are situations where learners may experience discomfort or anxiety in their second or additional language because of concerns about making mistakes, being misunderstood, misunderstanding others, being judged, feeling less competent in that language, and so on. This may cause learners to miss campus-wide opportunities for authentic and meaningful second language engagement. However, frequent targeted linguistic risk-taking may be a path to increased confidence and competence in the second/additional language and may lead to feelings of satisfaction and enjoyment. This project has created a paper passport booklet and a digital phone app to encourage learners to take linguistic risks on campus and beyond. The research team collects qualitative and quantitative data of learner experiences and integrates the activities in various language courses on campus and beyond.

Activities (non-exhaustive list): The graduate student(s) will research both theoretical and practical/pedagogical aspects of linguistic risk-taking and offer practical assistance in the implementation of the initiative. They will participate in app testing and concept design, data collection and analysis (questionnaires, interviews, and app usage patterns), creation of additional resources, and so on. They may also participate in project management and administration as well as in dissemination of project results, as appropriate. Opportunities for single or co-authored conference presentations and publications may be available.

More information about this project is also available through the project website<https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/official-languages-bilingualism-institute/ccerbal/research-groups/linguistic-risk> and through this open access research article<https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/CJAL/article/view/33038>.

PROJECTS 1 & 2 APPLICATION PROCESS AND CONDITIONS: Applicants must email a one page (single spaced) cover letter describing their background and interests and a CV to Prof. Slavkov (Nikolay.Slavkov at uOttawa.ca<mailto:Nikolay.Slavkov at uOttawa.ca>). Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a brief informal interview online or in person. Applicants must be admissible to the University of Ottawa’s MA program in Bilingualism Studies and be willing to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year through the standard admissions process (see website below).

Language Requirements: Generally, applicants must have an excellent knowledge of one of the two official languages: either English or French. In addition, receptive knowledge of the other language is necessary. Do not hesitate to inquire further or apply, even if you have doubts about your second official language proficiency. The program and work environment provides a linguistically supportive space.

For more details or specific questions about this project, please email Prof. Slavkov (Nikolay.Slavkov at uOttawa.ca<mailto:Nikolay.Slavkov at uOttawa.ca>).

For more details about the Bilingualism Studies Program and the admission process, please click here<https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/official-languages-bilingualism-institute/ma-bilingualism-studies>.

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