Breaking the silence: Emotions and inclusivity in multilingualism research

Abstract

In recent years, multilingualism research has increasingly called for greater inclusivity, urging scholars to move beyond traditional samples and to engage with underrepresented groups and contexts. This paper responds to that call by exploring the emotional dimensions of language use and learning, especially in conditions shaped by migration, marginalization, and inequality. I examine how multilinguals in different contexts, such as the Global North and Global South, navigate daily emotional challenges, adopting coping strategies like avoidance or resilience. These strategies not only reflect individual experiences but also shape broader multilingual trajectories. Drawing on recent work in the psychology of language learning, I highlight how positive emotions support engagement and well-being, while structural and social vulnerabilities constrain them. The paper calls for a shift in second language research that brings together psychological and social approaches, in order to better understand the role of emotion in shaping inclusive and representative multilingual experiences.