Die mehrsprachige Universität und ihre Stereotype Einblicke in das Forschungsprojekt VAMUS

Abstract

Science and academic education are determined by discussion and scientific exchange across borders of both languages and countries. Consequently, universities can be understood as melting-pots: places where, traditionally, different forms of multilingualism are practiced. Academic staff, students, and administrative staff have different perceptions of multilingualism. Furthermore, they develop their specific and individual attitudes which are presumably influenced by traditions of the faculty or even the discipline. In this paper, I will present first findings of the research project “Interwoven Analysis of Forms of Multilingualism Illustrated by the Example of the University of Salzburg” (OeNB Project Nr° 15 827) which aims to investigate the complex situation described above. In addition, I will focus on perceptions of multilingualism (also including different varieties of the German language). To determine how stereotypes and attitudes towards multilingualism are expressed, there will be a content analysis of interviews. It is shown that there is a difference in the use of attitudes and stereotypes. They differ particularly in matters of social validity. This suggests that it is important as well to have a further look on the theoretical distinction.