Lorna Carson

Language Modules Coordinator and Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics

Research Interests

My research focuses on multilingualism and language learning. I employ qualitative methods in my work to understand the contexts of individual and societal multilingualism, and to investigate successful language learning in a range of contexts (migrant languages, regional/minority languages, heritage languages, official languages). My research activities have a strong European focus, although I am also involved in multilingualism research elsewhere. The key themes in my research include:

• Formal language learning provision and the language classroom (policy and pedagogy)
• Tools and approaches which enhance successful language learning (the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference, the European Language Portfolio, collaborative learning, task-based learning)
• Assessment in second/foreign language learning.

Selected Publications

• Singleton, D., Aronin, L. & Carson, L. (2013). Minority language use in Ireland: The Time feature. In Singleton, D., Fishman, J., Aronin, L., O Laoire, M. (Eds.), Current Multilingualism: A New Linguistic Dispensation. Berlin: De Gruyter, pp. 121 – 138
• Carson, L. (2012). The role of drama in task-based learning: Agency, identity and autonomy, Scenario Journal for Drama and Theatre in Foreign and Second Language Education, 6, (2), 46 - 59
• Carson, L. & Murphy, D. (2012). Design and implementation of dramatic tasks in an English for Academic Purposes programme, Language Learning in Higher Education The Journal of the European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education (CercleS), 1, (1), 127 - 14
• Carson, L. (2012). The motivational role of goal-setting: An ethnographic study of adult refugees learning English in Ireland. Berlin: LAP, 359pp. 
• O'Rourke, B. & Carson, L. (2010). Language learner autonomy: Policy, curriculum, classroom. Oxford: Peter Lang. 413pp.
• Carson, L. (2010). Innovation and Autonomy in an Institution-wide Language Programme. In (Eds.) O'Rourke, B. & Carson, L., Language learner autonomy: Policy, curriculum, classroom. Oxford: Peter Lang, pp151 - 170.
• Carson, L. & Extra, G. (2010). Multilingualism in Dublin: Home language use among primary school children, report on a pilot survey. Dublin: Centre for Language and Communication Studies, 66pp.
• Carson, L. (2005), Multilingualism in Europe: A case study (2nd ed.). Brussels, Peter Lang. 116pp.
• Carson, L. (2011). Portfolio learning in the English language classroom: What, why and how in the case of the European Language Portfolio. Ultimate Teacher, Vol. 2. ELTA, Albania
• Carson, L., (2008). Refugee Agency and Autonomy in English Language Acquisition, Translocations: The Irish Migration, Race and Social Transformation Review, 3, (1)
• Carson, L. (2007). Relatedness and learner autonomy: A case study of an adult refugee learning English in Ireland, Reflections on English Language Teaching, 6, (2), 21 - 38

Teaching/Supervision

I teach two core postgraduate courses for students in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching: Second Language Curriculum Planning and Implementation, and Language Testing. My undergraduate teaching, on language learning and multilingualism, is within two Broad Curriculum courses, Language, the Individual and Society, andLanguage and the Mind. I am also responsible for the university’s institution-wide language programme and the English for Academic Purposes programme.

I provide postgraduate supervision in applied linguistics for taught and research postgraduates in the areas of curriculum design, L2 pedagogy, L2 language learning, multilingualism and migration studies.

Lorna Carson on the TCD Research Support System

Contact Details

Centre for Language and Communication Studies
Room 3039
Arts Building
Trinity College
Dublin 2.

Telephone: +353 1 896 4035
Fax: +353 1 896 2941
Email: carsonle@tcd.ie