Researching language needs using 'insiders': Mediated trilingualism and other issues of power asymmetries

Abstract

This paper exposes researching multilingually processes and findings from a research project investigating the provision of specialized Greek courses for immigrants from Albania, Pakistan and Romania. Linguistic mediators from the respective communities were appointed in order to facilitate qualitative research for the exploration of immigrants' needs. The research process proved to be more multilingual than what was initially planned. A mediated trilingualism emerged for the research within the communities, with the use of 'international' languages (Italian, English, French) between home languages and Greek. Faced with issues of power asymmetries, and of data translation and management, the project leader opted for an approach encouraging multilingualism and code-switching in all its stages, from collection of data to presentation of outcomes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.