Knowledge Translation at the Sites of Practice: From Outreach and Dissemination to Reflexive Evaluation

Abstract

Since proposing a more systematic framework for translating applied linguistics (AL) research to practice (Grujicic-Alatriste, Linking discourse studies to professional practice. Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters, 2015), other publications followed suit (e.g., Lawson & Sayers, Sociolinguistic research: Application and impact. London: Routledge, 2016; McIntyre & Price, Applying linguistics: Language and impact agenda. New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2018), engaging the question of relevance and impact in the various fields of AL and interdisciplinary studies. This chapter highlights the volume’s departing from current large-scale impact agenda and focusing instead on concrete steps undertaken by language researchers themselves to disseminate their own findings at the suitable sites of professional practice, thus beginning with the onset of outreach, not with the end result of impact. This introductory chapter reviews the strides made in translation research across fields and it outlines the Framework for Application elements used in all the chapters to disseminate research. Across the volume, authors used narrative accounts, case studies, and semi-ethnographic focus groups and workshops to engage dissemination, its intricacies, multiple stakeholders’ interests, reflexivity challenges, and future relevance. Translating research into practice is seen as a multi-step activity consisting of extensive outreach planning, dissemination initiatives, engagement with practitioners, and feedback loop leading to future collaboration. Challenges encountered by researchers are discussed and evaluated in lieu of praxis with suggestions for improving ongoing dissemination efforts.