CIVIS Staff Week : Diversity and multilingualism: context, beliefs and barriers

As part of a CIVIS University Alliance staff week, the ULB is organising a series of free public events on the subject of multilingualism. 

We are delighted to welcome three guests who will each explore different dimensions of multilingualism and language learning, in contemporary societies and higher education. They explore the challenges of linguistic diversity in cities and universities, the relationship between language practices and social inequalities, and the role of attitudes and motivation in language learning. Drawing on research from Belgium and beyond, the speakers offer valuable perspectives on the opportunities and complexities of multilingual environments. Each event can be attended independently and will provide ample opportunity for discussion and reflection.

The events will be held in English with the use of other languages most welcome. 

Wednesday 1st July, 16h- 18h, USquare, Hall C

Opening event

Pr. Philippe Van Parijs, Emeritus professor, Université Catholique de Louvain, Chair of the first Brussels Council for Multilingualism

Multilingualism in our cities and in our universities.

Many European universities are located in cities characterized by a growing degree of linguistic diversity. Cities must respond to this challenge by making their public services more multilingual and by enabling newcomers to learn as quickly as possible the locally important language(s) without giving up their own native languages. For universities, the linguistic challenge is quite different. Openness to the world requires them to give English a salient place, but not to the point of undermining the functions universities need to fulfil for the local linguistic communities. Not an easy balance.

Thursday 2nd July, 11h15 – 12h45, LIC, Learning and Innovation Centre, Campus La Plaine

Pr. Alexander Duchêne, Professor in the Sociology of Language, University of Fribourg

Social and economic inequalities related to language

While universities often celebrate multilingualism as a marker of diversity and internationalization, language practices are never detached from power relations. Through examples from teaching, research, and administrative life, this talk explores how multilingualism can both challenge and reproduce inequalities. It calls for a critical perspective that moves beyond romanticized views of linguistic diversity.

Friday 3rd July, 9h – 11h30, USquare, Hall C

Pr. Laurence Mettewie, Professor of Dutch language & linguistics and multilingualism, Université de Namur

Attitudinal and motivational language dimensions of learners’ profiles: insights from research on English vs. Dutch as a first modern language in Belgium.

When relations between language communities may at times be overtly or covertly tense, the learners’ choice between English – as a global language – and the language of the other community – as a local language – offers a particularly relevant lens on language attitudes and language learning, as we will illustrate through the socio-affective profiles of nearly 800 18-year-old Francophone learners in Belgium. During the discussion, we will reflect on how these findings may be transferable to other settings marked by linguistic tension or not.


Please register here