Vytautas Magnus University

Research in Plurilingual Competence Development

Research overview

Research on multilingualism and foreign language teaching/learning enables to reveal the main tendencies of foreign language teaching/learning in the context of globalization and internationalization, contributes to the improvement of theoretical and practical development of language competences ensuring faster and more effective integration of language learners in the various fields of international communication relevant to the labour market. Research and dissemination activities carried out by members of this research cluster, through participation in and organization of international conferences and seminars, public lectures and seminars for target groups, develop language policy and multilingualism theory, exploring multilingualism as a cultural phenomenon and a main educational object, and enable the application of the results of multilingualism research in educational activities.

Objectives

  • To study multilingualism as a cultural phenomenon and a main educational object, to apply the results of multilingualism research in educational activities;
  • To analyse issues of multilingualism: problems of vocabulary, grammar, discourse, transfer of pragmatic aspects and interference in the learning of L2, L3 and other foreign languages;
  • To consider the process of teaching/learning foreign languages, problems of acquisition and improvement of linguistic/communicative competence, the efficiency of application of innovative teaching/learning methods, use of learning strategies;
  • To examine the problems of assessment and recognition of non-formal and informal language competences,
  • To investigate the content and foreign language learning problems,
  • To determine the use of ICT in foreign language teaching, to develop foreign language teaching methods and methodology using ICT, to apply it in language teaching/learning activities in virtual Moodle environment and Sanako Lab,
  • To review and analyse the methods and methodology of specialized, separate study field, foreign language teaching, especially English for a specific purpose (ESP),
  • To report the results of scientific research in scientific journals, magazines and events promoting science and education,
  • To organize international conferences promoting international activity of the research cluster, developing the strategic partnership with foreign higher education institutions,
  • To develop internationalization of research by ensuring active participation in international research networks and scientific programmes,
  • To publish the scientific periodical journal “Darnioji daugiakalbystė/Sustainable Multilingualism” for the international dissemination of scientific and practical results, to seek international recognition of the journal.

Main researchers