Late Additions
Comparison of Music Professors' Experiences with Neurological Disability
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Tina Holmes Davis, Bonnie Von Hoff
In this auto-ethnographic paper and presentation, we explore and contrast the experiences of two Music Professors with neurological injury, one from birth and the other acquired later in life. Neurological or cognitive struggles are unexpected at the collegiate level and both professors have experienced various kinds of implicit bias as students and professionals.
Linguistic Relations, Diversity, and Divides : The Role of Languages in Communities and Economies
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Maria Elo, Leo Dana
Theoretically, this paper addresses linguistic diversity from the perspective of the possession of communication skills in particular languages, dialects, and forms of communication. It examines the formal and undocumented, the explicit and tacit use of language and communication. The theory framing includes the language-in-use, i.e. the different purposes and ways of employing communication abilities and skills in different contexts, and switching between them. Contextually, the setting includes linkages both with and across the immediate strong ties, e.g. family and close friends, the more meso-level ties in local communities and groups, and the more macro-level ties on global scale and with other cultures and population. Usually, the language skills are linked to highly skilled and educated expatriates and international managers when diversity is discussed, and very rarely the competences carried by refugees and other disadvantaged people receive any attention. This is a gap in the theoretical understanding of diversity, especially, as refugees and others who are dependent on the assistance and support from various others, through weak ties, they are potentially more connected to diverse cohorts of people across the globe than many managers. Methodologically, this complex real-life phenomenon is approached using ethnographic participant research. The research data is collected in various contexts of interaction. It consists of observations, photos, videos, printed materials, advertisements, correspondence, books and other diverse materials. Data is analysed using a categorization approach sorting out different groups consisting of individuals with similar skill types and heritages, their linguistic use-patterns and other contextual features, such as migratory background.
The Impact of Intercultural Exposure on Intercultural Identity Development: Case Study of Algerian Students in the UK
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Amina Guerriche
Study abroad programs grant intercultural immersion opportunities which students perceive as having different cultural norms and practices. Much of the literature on study abroad outcomes focuses on the linguistic proficiency gains, some looked at attitude change towards different cultures, and very few on the impact on the students’ intercultural identity. These latter have taken Chinese, American, Australian, and European students as case studies. However, to date no research of this kind has taken Algerian students as a case study. The proposed research will provide new insights on the possible impact that inter-group relations, social contact and discursive practices, and increased cultural exposure may have on the process of intercultural identity development of Algerian students overseas. Furthermore, all previous studies of Algerians have been conducted in contexts such as France, no such investigation has taken place in the United Kingdom. This constitutes my research gap. This research used semi structured and ethnographic interviews and observations to explore how Algerian students living in the UK used their intercultural knowledge adjusting and adapting their behaviors to the host culture's norms and values. It also investigates their experiences of intercultural encounters and how it helped in the development of their intercultural identity. The findings from this research can be used as a platform regarding further research dealing with intercultural identity development through experiential learning and immersion. Recommendations are provided for universities, government agencies, stakeholders, and policy makers involved in education with the aim of enhancing students’ adaptability to new cultural settings.
