Methodologies and Best Practices in Language Attitudes Research (2025)

In this workshop, we will explore key research methods in the study of language attitudes. The workshop is organized by the SFB projects C09 and C10 and forms part of the Variation in Language Acquisition 6 (ViLA6) conference.

When & Where

date: 17.03.2025, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
location: University of Potsdam, Campus Griebnitzsee, House 6, Room S12

Invited Speaker

Lauren B. Schmidt (San Diego State University)

Registration

Participation is free, but please register by March 10th via e-mail to vila6@uni-potsdam.de

Workshop Description

In this workshop, we will explore key research methods in the study of language attitudes – those evaluative reactions individuals have towards different language varieties or their speakers – an important, yet often-overlooked, dimension of language acquisition that can profoundly shape language learning experiences and outcomes (Ryan & Giles 1982). Through hands-on engagement, attendees will become familiar with the design and implementation of various methodological approaches such as variations of the matched-guise technique and interview protocols, as well as advantages and limitations associated with each approach and critical factors and issues to consider when designing language attitudes instruments and interpreting data. The workshop will feature concrete examples from recent studies that demonstrate how these methods can be applied to uncover the complex relationships between attitudes towards socially meaningful linguistic variation and language acquisition.

References: Ryan, E. B., & Giles, H. (1982). Attitudes towards language variation. London: Edward Arnold.

Organizing Committee

Patrick Auhagen (C09)
Aaron Schmidt-Riese (C10)

Code of Conduct

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free summer school experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of our participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any summer school venue, including workshops, social events and poster presentations. Our participants violating these rules may be expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the conference organisers.

If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour or feel like you or someone around you may need support, please reach out to the organisers in person or via email.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion
sexual images in public spaces
deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
harassing photography or recording
sustained disruption of workshops or other events
inappropriate physical contact
unwelcome sexual attention
advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, our organisers retain the right to warn the offender or expel them from the conference with no refund. We expect participants to follow these rules at all venues and related social activities.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it to the organisers as soon as possible. Organisers can be identified by their orange name tags. You can make a report by contacting the organisers directly in person, or by writing us an email. At no point will you be asked to confront anyone and your identity will not be revealed to anyone except for the team members who are in touch with you. Our team will be happy to help assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event.

110 (emergency police number)
112 (emergency medical number)
033155080 (local police number)
116117 (non-emergency medical number)
0331292929 (local taxi number)

Assistance and Childcare

The venue of the summer school is barrier-free. Do you need mobility assistance on the day of the event? Please do not hesitate to contact us. There is an app available navigating you around campus with maximized accessibility: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/multimedia/projects/accessibility/accessible-campus-navigation

Travel and Transport

For ecological reasons, we recommend coming to the event by public transport. The venue can be easily reached from both Potsdam and Berlin:

From Potsdam Central Station to S Griebnitzsee:

S-Bahn S7 (every 10 minutes)
RB 22 and RB 23 (once an hour)
Bus Number 694 (once an hour)

From Berlin Central Station to S Griebnitzsee:

S-Bahn S7 (every 10 minutes)
RB 23 (once an hour)
RE 1 to S Wannsee, S7 to S Griebnitzsee (once an hour)

Berlin, Potsdam and Brandenburg established a cooperation of their public transportation system called the Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg (VBB). Using the website of the VBB, you can find the fastest connection to all stops in the whole area of Berlin and Brandenburg.

Public Transportation in Potsdam: