Seminar: Ethics and Applied Linguistics Research

Ethics and Applied Linguistics Research

Dr Peter I. De Costa

Department of Linguistics, Languages & Cultures

and

Department of Teacher Education

Michigan State University
 

Date: May 19, 2023 (Friday)

Time: 4:00 – 5:15pm (HKT)

Mode: Hybrid (Face-to-Face and ZOOM)
Venue:  Room 408-410, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Chair: Dr George Jiang

Online Registration:
https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_regform.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=87772
(The zoom link will be sent by e-mail upon registration)

Abstract:

Applied linguistics researchers generally observe the core principles of justice, respect for persons, and yielding optimal benefits while minimizing harm when conducting research. Ethics can be examined from a macroethical and microethical lens (Kubanyiova, 2013). While macroethics refer to the procedural ethics of institutional review boards (IRBs), ethics committees, and professional organizations, microethics engage with the everyday ethical dilemmas confronted by researchers. In my talk I argue that macroethical guidelines need to be complemented by microethical governance, that is, actual examples of ways to negotiate ethical dilemmas in specific research contexts. The need to bring together the macro and micro dimensions of ethics is vitally important today in light of growing calls to practice inclusivity, recognize diversity of experiences, and promote equity and human rights. Increasingly, applied linguists face many new challenges, including ethical dilemmas when working with vulnerable minority populations (e.g., heritage, immigrants, and indigenous communities). I will discuss common ethical challenges encountered in various contexts, and will provide examples of how some applied linguists have confronted ethical dilemmas, highlighting their decision-making process and the ideas informing their choices.
 

About the speaker:

Peter I. De Costais an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages & Cultures and the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University.  As a critical applied linguist, his research areas include emotions, identity, ideology and ethics in language learning, language teaching, and language policy. His ecologically- and social justice-oriented work looks at the intersection between second language acquisition (SLA), second language teacher education (SLTE), and language policy. He is the co-editor of TESOL Quarterly and the President Elect of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL).

~ All are welcome ~

For enquiries, please contact the Office of Research, Faculty of Education athkchow@hku.hk