How to research multilingually: possibilities and complexities

This chapter aims to develop researchers’ awareness and understanding of the process of researching multilingually where they must use, or account for the use of, more than one language in the research process. It provides a conceptual framework that guides researchers in: realizing that using more than one language is possible; considering the interconnecting possibilities and complexities of researching multilingually and becoming purposeful about the decisions they make in all phases of the research process. The chapter draws on examples from the authors’ Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded Researching Multilingually network project. It presents a report on various ways in which researchers have reflected on the trigger through which they became aware of researching multilingually (RM-ly) possibilities (Realization). The chapter presents three case studies in which researchers reflect on their RM-ly practice and issues arising in it (Informed and purposeful decision-making).