Computational Social Network Analysis meets linguistics:

From the diffusion of lexical innovation to second language acquisition

October 26, 10:00

location: NU-6A25

Abstract

The last decades have seen a surge of applications of the theoretical apparatus and analytical tools of complex dynamic systems to analyses of real-life social phenomena. One realisation has concerned the vital role in the attainment of individuals that is played by social networks. The talk will demonstrate how computational social network analysis (SNA) can shed light on linguistic phenomena from the social spread of neologisms online to the influence of peer interactions on second language learners’ attainment, basing on current examples from international student exchange programs to courses for Ukrainian refugees. Unlike most of the existing second language acquisition research that only tended to identify the micro-level of individual interactants’ egocentric networks, thus presenting an emic view only, we show how and why learner networks can be examined in their entirety, complementing an etic perspective. We will also illustrate the benefits of combining computational (quantitative) and anthropological (qualitative) SNA for mutually complementary perspectives.

About the speaker

Michał B. Paradowski is a professor and teacher trainer at the Institute of Applied Linguistics, University of Warsaw and a research and language teaching consultant. His interests include second language acquisition and instruction, complexity science, social and psychological network analysis, psycholinguistics, bi- and multilingualism, and educational psychology. He gave over 230 invited lectures, seminars and workshops in Europe, America, Asia, Oceania and Africa. Michał is PI in projects https://peerlang.ils.uw.edu.pl, https://schoolclosure.ils.uw.edu.pl, and https://L2grit.ils.uw.edu.pl

Michał B. Paradowski

Institute of Applied Linguistics, University of Warsaw