How can you ensure that your language research is inclusive and respectful?

1 Know your context

Before you start your research, you need to understand the historical, cultural, and political context of the language and the people who speak it. This will help you avoid imposing your own assumptions, biases, or stereotypes on your data and analysis. You should also be aware of the potential impact of your research on the language status, identity, and rights of your participants and communities. For example, how will your research affect their access to education, health, or justice?

2 Seek consent and collaboration

Language research involves human subjects, so you need to obtain their informed consent and protect their privacy and confidentiality. You should also seek to collaborate with your participants and communities, not just treat them as sources of data. This means involving them in the design, implementation, and dissemination of your research, and respecting their opinions, preferences, and feedback. You should also acknowledge their contributions and share the benefits of your research with them.

3 Use appropriate methods and tools

Language research can involve various methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, recordings, or neuroimaging. You should choose the ones that are suitable for your research question, but also for your participants and communities. You should consider the accessibility, validity, reliability, and ethics of your methods and tools, and how they might affect the quality and interpretation of your data. You should also be transparent about your methods and tools, and explain them clearly to your participants and communities.

4 Be sensitive and respectful

Language research can touch upon sensitive and personal topics, such as identity, culture, religion, or trauma. You should be aware of the emotional and psychological effects of your research on your participants and communities, and avoid causing them harm or distress. You should also be respectful of their language use, norms, and values, and avoid imposing your own judgments, preferences, or corrections. You should also be respectful of their intellectual property rights, and avoid plagiarism or appropriation of their language resources.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Language research is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of learning and improvement. You should seek feedback from your participants, communities, colleagues, and peers, and be open to criticism, suggestions, or corrections. You should also reflect on your own performance, strengths, and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement. You should also keep up with the latest developments and trends in your field, and update your knowledge and skills accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?