Dr. Knipe Presents at Cambridge Conference on Language Endangerment in England

Dr. Jack Knipe, Director of the Master in Management program and Assistant Professor of Leadership at Converse University, presented a paper at the 11th Cambridge Conference on Language Endangerment at Cambridge University in England over the summer. His original research, rooted in the postmodern concept of translanguaging and the idea of critical applied linguistics, focused on how Scottish Gaelic social media influencers use language in their posts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

The conference welcomed scholars from around the world who engage in researching endangered languages.

The paper, titled “Gàidhlig air na meadhanan sòisealta: Translanguaging in informal educational spaces” sought to understand why some Gaelic influencers post original content completely in Scottish Gaelic, an endangered language spoken by fewer than 60,000 people while others engage in code-switching and language mixing, using English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic, all three of Scotland’s official languages in their posts. He interviewed various influencers across Scotland, and found that their language choices were based on perceived audiences, personal cultural identity, epistemological assumptions, and language advocacy efforts . Language mixing in endangered language contexts has been of great debate in educational and political spheres, and Knipe’s research is timely.

The conference welcomed scholars from around the world who engage in researching endangered languages. This is Dr. Knipe’s 4th time presenting at the conference. Dr. Knipe teaches courses in qualitative research methods, cultural theory, and community advocacy at Converse University.