This project used a framework of participatory observations and interviews with members of the Oxford Road community in Reading, to map the language landscape in this area. Its purpose was to better understand which languages are spoken and how languages are used by the communities in Oxford Road.
Oxford Road in Reading, UK, is a historically rich and vibrant area known for its multicultural community and diverse heritage. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and services that cater to a diverse population. The road is home to multiple places of worship, including churches and mosques, and hosts a range of cultural events?
Oxford Road hosts a hugely diverse, multilingual community where more than 70 languages are spoken. However, little is understood about how such rich linguistic diversity is used by the community and how speakers of diverse languages find each other in order that they can speak the language of home.
Our researchers produced a report on this project’s methodology, findings and observations entitled ‘Mapping Heritage Language use in the Oxford Road Community‘.
The team hosted an event for the local community to celebrate UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2024. ‘My Mother Tongue: A celebration of community languages’ was organised by the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism (CeLM) and brought together local people to celebrate and preserve Reading’s linguistic and cultural diversity at the Lifespring Church on Oxford Road.
Research team: Holly Joseph, Naomi Flynn, Alice Mpofu-Coles and community researcher, Eva Karanja.