Multilingualism & Literacy

Schools in the (Northern) Netherlands face the challenge of providing language and subject education in increasingly diverse classrooms. This requires taking into account Frisian and its dialects, Low Saxon and its varieties, Dutch, German as a neighbouring language, modern foreign languages, and a growing number of home languages spoken by students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. In addition to this linguistic diversity, demographic developments such as population ageing, declining birth rates, and population decline also affect education. Furthermore, low literacy levels and the underplacement of students in educational tracks pose risks to equal educational opportunities.

Our research group investigates how education professionals can transform these challenges into opportunities, enabling all students to reach their full potential. We work closely with schools and other practice partners to develop and evaluate effective approaches.

The Research Group on Multilingualism and Literacy contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Reduced Inequalities.

Core values and identity: who we are

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and inclusive education, ensuring that all pupils—regardless of their linguistic or cultural background—have the opportunity to learn and develop into socially engaged, linguistically competent, and critical citizens. Learning always takes place through interaction and is shaped by a diversity of social, cultural, and multilingual practices. For this reason, the central concepts underpinning our research group are dialogic interaction, multilingualism, and literacy.

Research themes 

To realise our vision, the research group focuses on three interconnected research themes:

1. Promoting inclusive and multilingual education – We develop pedagogical strategies that encourage the recognition, appreciation, and use of diverse languages in education.
2. Fostering dialogic interaction – We support pupils in co-constructing new knowledge through dialogue while simultaneously developing their oral and written language skills.
3. Strengthening literacy – We support pupils' functional literacy development and work together with key educational partners, including parents and libraries.

Our work lies at the intersection of research, education, and professional practice, creating impact at regional, national, and international levels.

Special Chair: Fryske taal en kultuer yn it ûnderwiis (Frisian Language and Culture in Education)

On 1 January 2025, the Special Chair Fryske taal en kultuer yn it ûnderwiis was established as part of the Meaningful Learning and Development research group (formerly the Education research group) at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Commissioned by the Province of Fryslân, the Special Chair conducts practice-oriented research. Its work contributes to the ambitions of the Taalplan Frysk 2030 by strengthening the quality of Frisian Language and Culture as a curriculum area within the broader context of a multilingual society.