Migration Linguistics

Migration Linguistics

Convenors: 

  • Ariane Macalinga BORLONGAN, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan, Linguistic Society of the Philippines
  • Lisa LIM, Curtin University, Australia, Singapore Association of Applied Linguistics
  • Loy LISING, Macquarie University, Australia, Linguistic Society of the Philippines
  • Nicanor Legarte GUINTO, Southern Luzon State University, the Philippines, Linguistic Society of the Philippines

Scope: 

This is the “Age of Migration” (de Haas, Castles, & Miller, 2020). One in every seven people in the world is a migrant (International Organization for Migration, 2022). Migration has been an important characteristic of globalization and modernity, and is integral to sustainable development and social transformation. Language is considered “one of the most central aspects for migrants’ inclusion by both the receiving society and migrants themselves” (International Organization for Migration, 2019: 192), and at the heart of migration (Borlongan, 2023).

Migration linguistics is a relevant and timely endeavor within the broader discipline of applied linguistics. Our Research Network on migration linguistics was established to be able to adequately respond to the language concerns of migrants around the world, and has the following aims:

  •   It theorizes language structure and practice as it is used, acquired, and learned in the context of the migration process and existence.
  •   It describes the various factors and patterns relating to language within the migration process.
  •   It investigates language in the context of migration using interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies.
  •   It offers concrete and practical outcomes in response to the issues and problems related to language issues confronting migrants, including policy recommendations, as well as material for migrant communities.
  •   And last but not least, it engages various stakeholders of language and migration. After all, the nexus of migration and language is a prime concern not only for the community of scholars (interdisciplinary) but also for the community of nations (international).

More than simply a forum for research on migration linguistics, the activities of the Research Network have comprised a space for dialogues amongst diverse stakeholders, including not only academics and research students, but also government, diplomats, NGOs, and community. Importantly, the ReN is envisioned to encompass linguistic endeavours which hold concrete outcomes for society and contribute to the SDGs.

Highlight of 3 scientific ReN works during the previous period:

  • Borlongan, Ariane M. & Lisa Lim, eds. 2024. Multilingualism and Mobility in the Twenty-First Century: New Trajectories and Possibilities in Migration Linguistics. Special Issue, AILA Review 37(1). https://doi.org/10.1075/aila.37.1
  • AILA Research Network Symposium: The Role of Language and Migration in Development and Sustainability. 21st AILA (Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée) World Conference. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 11-16 Aug 2024. Co-convenors: Ariane Borlongan, 
  • 2nd Winter School on Migration Linguistics, and 1st International Conference on Migration Linguistics. Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo, Japan. 11-13 Dec 2024 and 14-15 Dec 2024. Organized by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and the Migration Linguistics Research Network (ReN) of the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) in collaboration with Curtin University (Perth, Australia) and Southern Luzon State University (Lucban, the Philippines) and in partnership with the United Nations (UN) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Tokyo Office and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Co-convenors: Ariane Borlongan, Nic Guinto, Kenichiro Kurusu, Lisa Lim, Loy Lising.

Some members: 

  • Suresh CANAGARAJAH, Pennsylvania State University (The United States)
  • Maya Khemlani DAVID, Universiti Malaya (Malaysia)
  • Remart DUMLAO, Monash University (Australia)
  • Kenichiro KURUSU, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies/The University of the Philippines Diliman, Japan/The Philippines 
  • James MCLELLAN, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (Brunei)
  • Gracia LIU-FARRER, Waseda University (Japan)
  • Hans LADEGAARD, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong)
  • Aiden YEH, Wenzao Ursuline University of Foreign Languages (Taiwan)
  • Brenda YEOH, National University of Singapore (Singapore)
  • Kristine DE LEON, Sohar University (Oman)
  • Louisa WILLOUGHBY, Monash University (Australia)
  • Mikhail Alic GO, The University of Electro-Communications (Japan)