Between internationalising science and multilingualising knowledge

The case of research evaluation

European Journal of Language Policy (2021), 13, (1), 75–101.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3828/ejlp.2021.6
Language: English
Pages: 27

Abstract

This article raises the question of the conditions for the internationalisation of universities, its links with linguistic practices and its impact on the dynamics of scientific knowledge. First, it questions the notion of internationalisation, defined in a variable manner and affecting both institutions and knowledge. The links between internationalisation and language (non-)choices (monolingual or plurilingual) have been established. They challenge both the governance of universities and the implementation of curricula. Secondly, this article proposes a reflection on three major functions of language and discourse: communication, representation and contextualisation. It shows that policies in favour of monolingualism in science generally favour the function of communication. The importance of these functions varies, moreover, according to the nature of the scientific practices considered, more or less contextualised and more or less central for the development of knowledge. Third, the article looks at a study carried out within the framework of a national research funding agency in a multilingual country. It describes language practices in research evaluation across a variety of disciplines but focuses in particular on the representations of research advisers regarding the links between science and language(s). In conclusion, this article emphasises the importance, for academic institutions, to develop an explicit, socially responsible language policy that is aware of the consequences of decisions made along the entire educational chain.

Cet article pose la question des conditions de l’internationalisation des universités, de ses liens avec les pratiques linguistiques et de son impact sur la dynamique des savoirs scientifiques. Dans un premier temps, il interroge la notion d’internationalisation, définie de manière variable et touchant aussi bien les institutions que les savoirs. Les liens entre internationalisation et (non-)choix linguistiques (monolingues ou plurilingues) sont posés. Ils interpellent aussi bien la gouvernance des universités que la mise en place des curriculums. Dans un deuxième temps, cet article propose une réflexion sur trois fonctions majeures des langues et des discours : communication, représentation et contextualisation. Il montre que les politiques en faveur du monolinguisme dans la science privilégient en général la fonction de communication. L’importance de ces fonctions varie, par ailleurs, selon la nature des pratiques scientifiques considérées, plus ou moins contextualisées et plus ou moins centrales pour l’élaboration des savoirs. Dans un troisième temps, l’article se penche sur une étude menée dans le cadre d’une agence nationale de financement de la recherche dans un pays multilingue. Il décrit les pratiques linguistiques dans l’évaluation de la recherche à travers une diversité de disciplines, mais se focalise en particulier sur les représentations des conseillers à la recherche quant aux liens entre science et langue(s). En conclusion, cet article insiste sur l’importance, pour les institutions académiques, de développer une politique linguistique explicite, socialement responsable et consciente des conséquences des décisions prises sur toute la chaine éducative.

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Author details

Gajo, Laurent

Steffen, Gabriela

Yanaprasart, Patchareerat

European Journal of Language Policy