Multilingualism and Swedish as a second language
The area of multilingualism and Swedish as a second language represents a broad field, and includes a range of different specialisations, for example in areas such as the learning of second languages, the didactics of second languages, language use in multilingual environments, language ideologies, and language policy.
Research currently includes projects concerning multilingualism from sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic and structural perspectives, as well as education-focused projects concerning literacy, teaching aids, and the learning and evaluation of words and grammar. One important and topical question in this area concerns how newly arrived and other immigrants adopt the Swedish language, as well as how their language skills are portrayed in the media and society in general, such as in debates regarding Swedish as a second language, native-language tuition, etc.
Part of the department’s work with Swedish as a second language is connected to, and is financed by, Skolverket (the Swedish National Agency for Education) and other external funding for assignments, education and research at a municipal, national or international level. One example of such assignments and projects includes development initiatives within educational environments that are increasingly characterised by multilingualism and diversity. This aspect has been developed within the framework of the Institute for Swedish as a Second Language (ISA), which was launched at the department in 1997 with the help of ear-marked government funding, and has conducted research and development projects ever since.
Ongoing Projects
Read about some of the projects related to this focus area below.
The Language(s) of Segregation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Spatial, Social, and Symbolic Division in Cities. This research environment investigates the role of language in processes of segregation. By examining how language shapes social relations, identities, and power structures, the researchers seek to explain the linguistic dimension of segregation and contribute to the development of more effective and targeted policy interventions.
How has primary and lower secondary school students' competence in writing in English developed over time? The project, led by Eva Olsson, aims to provide new and in-depth insights into Swedish elementary school students’ writing skills in English, which can contribute important knowledge for the future planning of English instruction.
GU Reads: Read and Learn (Literature-Based Subject Didactic Language Development and Learning through Analysis and Reflection). GU READS is aligned with the ongoing national effort to promote reading and contributes to the University of Gothenburg’s strategic objectives in several ways. The project will be carried out during the Autumn Semester 2026 and the Spring Semester 2027.
Seminars
The seminar series serves as a forum for anyone interested in multilingualism and Swedish as a second language. The programme includes research presentations of completed studies, work-in-progress seminars that provide opportunities to present ongoing research projects, and discussion seminars focusing on issues related to multilingualism. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to present at the seminar series or if you have any other questions.