Abstract Summary
This paper focuses on the theoretical affordances of research in applied linguistics which engages with the creative arts. We consider work across three categories: research with the arts; research into the arts and research through the arts. We set out what we see as the future possibilities for this area.
Abstract :
The arts have become an increasing focus of attention for applied linguists, with a rich diversity of approaches and models of working, from discourse analysis to creative inquiry. We have found it useful thus far to describe this work following Patricia Leavy’s definition of creative inquiry, as ‘any social research or human inquiry that adapts the tenets of the creative arts as a part of the methodology’ (2014: 1). However, while we take Leavy’s use of methodology here in its broadest sense, there is a risk that creative inquiry is seen as focusing solely on method, and that its theoretical affordances and implications remain unmined.
To address this challenge, in this paper we consider research across three broad categories which engages with creative inquiry in different ways:
research with the arts;
research into the arts; and
research through the arts.
Although these categories have been useful for us in making sense of the work taking place under the aegis of creative inquiry, we are aware of the ontological implications of drawing boundaries (Hekman 2010) and of the reductionist potential of imposing such artificial structures. We will therefore highlight throughout our discussion how these categories inter-relate and how the examples within them often move across and beyond the boundaries we have created. This paper demonstrates the importance of attending to artworks and arts practices. It also shows how linguistic concepts can be further interrogated in this way: with, into and through the creative arts.
References
Hekman, S. (2010). The Material of Knowledge: Feminist Disclosures. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Jones, K. & Leavy, P. (2014). A conversation between Kip Jones and Patricia Leavy: Arts-Based Research, Performative Social Science and Working on the Margins. The Qualitative Report 19(19), pp.1-7.
