The Dynamics of Citizen Sociolinguistics

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the dynamics of citizen science (CS) in sociolinguistics or Citizen Sociolinguistics, i.e. the engagement of non-professionals in doing sociolinguistic research. Based on a CS-study undertaken in Norway where we engaged young people as citizen scientists to explore linguistic diversity, this paper aims to clarify the definition of Citizen Sociolinguistics; it seeks to progress the discussion of the advantages of CS and of how CS can contribute to sociolinguistics; it also addresses the opposite: how sociolinguistics can contribute to the general field of citizen science; and it discusses the challenges of a CS-methodology for sociolinguistic research, epistemologically and ethically, as well as in terms of recruitment, quality control and possible types of sociolinguistic tasks and topics. To meet the needs of society and societal challenges of today there is a need to develop methods and establish scientific acceptance for the relevance of public engagement in research. This paper argues that Citizen Sociolinguistics has the potential to advance the societal impact of sociolinguistics by constructing a dialogue between ‘the academy’ and ‘the citizens’; Citizen Sociolinguistics relies on and encourages participatory citizen agency, provides research experience, stimulates curiosity, further research, public understanding of science, (socio)linguistic awareness and encourages linguistic stewardship.