Overcoming and reinforcing linguicism? Language, power and critical reflexivity in a large multilingual research team

Abstract

This paper explores the tensions between challenging and unintentionally reinforcing linguicism in a large-scale research project on multilingual crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our study involved a multilingual and multicultural research team conducting interviews in 14 different languages, with a methodological commitment to linguistic justice and inclusive research. Using collective self-reflection, we critically examined how our positionalities, language practices and research design, though intended to be counterhegemonic, sometimes reproduced dominant language ideologies. In this paper, we explore three key tensions: 1) the paradoxical privilege and power of bi-/multilingual researchers; 2) the internalisation of linguicism among participants; and 3) the challenges of translating emotional and cultural nuances. These findings reveal the complexity and paradoxes inherent in inclusive multilingual research, demonstrating how even well-intentioned practices can reproduce symbolic violence and linguicism. We argue for deeper reflexivity, methodological humility, and structurally transformative approaches that centre epistemic justice and critically challenge the institutional and ideological roots of linguicism. This paper contributes to critical language studies, disaster research and decolonising methodologies, providing both theoretical insights and practical guidance for researchers working with linguistic minorities.

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