In this paper, we explore the monolingual assumptions enacted in qualitative methodological practice, which often render multilingual linguistic phenomena invisible or frame them as barriers to valid research. We discuss the conceptualization of language in qualitative methodological literature and explore how a theoretical lens of translanguaging might inform us in methodological practices. In particular, we address this question from three aspects: (1) channeling the critique of named languages into the ontological consideration (ways of being and becoming) in qualitative research; (2) making methodological decisions informed by multilingual and, specifically, translanguaging awareness; and (3) breaking down linguistic boundary-keeping and embracing critical and reflexive multilingual practice. By drawing on examples from our empirical research and methodological instruction, we demonstrate that researchers across disciplinary and inter/transdisciplinary fields—including but not limited to migration studies, bilingual education, comparative research, public health, and anthropology—can benefit from such a critical methodological orientation.
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