Multilingual pedagogy in the Russian North: Theoretical and applied issues

Abstract

The article highlights the issue of multilingualism in multidisciplinary perspective. The authors aim at solving the problem of defining the multilingualism notion, as compared to such notions as plurilingualism and “mnogoyazychie”, which is a Russian term for the given context area. A five-stage research has been conducted. As a result, an innovative concept of multilingualism for educational pursuits, based on ten methodological principles, is suggested. Multilingualism is viewed as an actively developing integrative and synthesising research area, which shows positive dynamics results of its innovative conceptual ideas application. The research has resulted in publishing a book “Culture in the North. Pedagogy of Multilingualism” which was written in six languages and incorporated the ideas of multilingualism pedagogy. A thorough analysis of the authors’ experience of working with the book, gained in educational practices at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Russia, is presented. The study focuses on the period of 2009–2018 and includes more than 6000 participants of the academic process and 3000 students in extracurricular activities.