Mengxi Tian’s research focuses on the development of multilingual identity within the context of English as a Second Language.
Mengxi, third-year PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education, attended the 2024 Annual Conference of the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) in Kuala Lumpur, thanks to the Travel, Research and Conferences fund offered by the College.
Mengxi's research focuses on the development of multilingual identity within the context of English as a Second Language (ESL) education, aligning perfectly with the conference theme, "Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability." This theme resonated with Mengxi's work, which explores the crucial role of linguistic diversity in fostering inclusive and sustainable educational practices.
The conference provided a dynamic platform for Mengxi to engage with fellow linguists, language experts, educators, and enthusiasts. This diverse group fostered a rich environment for learning and collaboration, with attendees sharing a commitment to exploring how awareness and preservation of linguistic diversity can promote broader societal inclusion and sustainability.
Mengxi says, “During the conference, I had the privilege of presenting a portion of my PhD research, titled Unveiling Multilingual Identity: Influence of Glocal Learning Context in the Adult ESL Classroom. My presentation was scheduled for the first day, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. The feedback I received from the audience was both constructive and encouraging.
Colleagues in the field offered insightful suggestions that have given me new perspectives on how to refine my work. This input will be instrumental as I move forward with my research. One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to network with peers and other researchers who share my interests in applied linguistics and multilingual education. These interactions were not only intellectually stimulating but also opened doors for potential collaborations. The exchange of ideas during informal discussions and organized sessions helped me to contextualize my research within the broader trends and challenges currently facing the field of applied linguistics.
A particularly memorable moment was attending the keynote address by Professor Rod Ellis, a leading figure and personal inspiration in the field of applied linguistics. His insights on second language acquisition and the importance of contextual factors in language learning resonated deeply with my research. After the session, I had the chance to meet Professor Ellis in person, and even managed to take a selfie with him, which was a personal highlight and a moment I will cherish.”
Inspired by the knowledge and connections gained at the conference, Mengxi plans to integrate the feedback received into her PhD research and prepare her findings for publication. She believes that disseminating her research to a wider audience will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on multilingual identity and its implications for ESL education.
Attending the AILA conference was a pivotal experience in Mengxi's academic journey. The opportunity to share her research and enrich her understanding of the field has proven invaluable. Lucy Cavendish College is proud to have supported Mengxi in this endeavour.