Between internationalising science and multilingualising knowledge

Abstract

This article raises the question of the conditions for the internationalisation of universities, its links with linguistic practices and its impact on the dynamics of scientific knowledge. First, it questions the notion of internationalisation, defined in a variable manner and affecting both institutions and knowledge. The links between internationalisation and language (non-)choices (monolingual or plurilingual) have been established. They challenge both the governance of universities and the implementation of curricula. Secondly, this article proposes a reflection on three major functions of language and discourse: communication, representation and contextualisation. It shows that policies in favour of monolingualism in science generally favour the function of communication. The importance of these functions varies, moreover, according to the nature of the scientific practices considered, more or less contextualised and more or less central for the development of knowledge. Third, the article looks at a study carried out within the framework of a national research funding agency in a multilingual country. It describes language practices in research evaluation across a variety of disciplines but focuses in particular on the representations of research advisers regarding the links between science and language(s). In conclusion, this article emphasises the importance, for academic institutions, to develop an explicit, socially responsible language policy that is aware of the consequences of decisions made along the entire educational chain.