School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences

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Dr. Colin John Flynn

Dr. Colin John Flynn

Assistant Professor, C.L.C.S.

3531896 1249

Biography

Dr Colin Flynn (Cóilín Ó Floinn) is Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics. Dr Flynn's research is focused on psychological and social aspects of language learning and bi-/multilingualism, e.g. motivation, cultural awareness, metalinguistic knowledge, attitudes towards (target) language varieties, code-switching, translanguaging. He is also interested in relationships between language learner psychology, language teaching methods and learning contexts. Much of his research to date has been concerned with these topics in the context of learning Irish. Dr Flynn has published widely, including two books, "Adult Minority Language Learning: Motivation, Identity and Target Variety" (2020, Multilingual Matters) and "Foghlaim an Dara Teanga: Modhanna agus Tascanna sa Seomra Ranga" [Second Language Learning: Methods and Tasks in the Classroom] (2021, Cló Iar-Chonnacht), and numerous articles in such journals as the Modern Language Journal, the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, the International Journal of Bilingualism and the International Multilingual Research Journal. Dr Flynn was a member of the Executive Committee of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics 2011-2024, during which time he served as an ordinary member, as Treasurer and as Events Coordinator. He is currently a member of the Royal Irish Academy's Coiste Léann na Gaeilge agus an Léinn Cheiltigh [Irish Language and Celtic Studies Committee]. He is also Secretary of the Coiste's Publications Sub-committee. Dr Flynn holds degrees from Trinity College Dublin (PhD and MPhil), University College Dublin (HDipEd) and New York University (BA).

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Ó Murchadha, N. & Flynn, C.J., Language educators' regard for variation in late modernity: Perceptions of linguistic variation in minority contexts, Journal of Sociolinguistics, 22, (3), 2018, p288 - 311Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Ó Murchadha, N. & Flynn, C.J., Educators' target language varieties for language learners: Orientation towards 'native' and 'non-native' norms in a minority language context, Modern Language Journal, 102, (4), 2018, p797 - 813Journal Article, 2018
  • Singleton, D. & Flynn C.J., Language aptitude, language interaction and age of language learning: one reseacher's recent perspective, Language, Interaction, Acquisition, 12, (2), 2021, p284 - 304Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Singleton, D. & Flynn C.J., Translanguaging: A pedagogical concept that went wandering, International Multilingual Research Journal, 16, (2), 2022, p136 - 147Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Batardiere, M-T., Berthaud, S., Catibusic, B., & Flynn, C. J., Language teaching and learning in Ireland: 2012 - 2021, Language Teaching, 56, (1), 2023, p41 - 72Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • Ó Murchadha N., Flynn C.J., Teachers as new speakers of a minority language: Identity, speakerness, and ideologies on variation in Irish, International Journal of Bilingualism, 26, (5), 2022, p584 - 600, p584-600Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Flynn C.J., Adult Minority Language Learning: Motivation, Identity and Target Variety, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2020, 1-257ppBook, 2020, DOI
  • Flynn C.J., Harris J., Motivational diversity among adult minority language learners: are current theoretical constructs adequate?, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 37, (4), 2016, p371 - 384, p371-384Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Flynn, C.J., Ó Duibhir, P., Ní Thuairisg, L., Ó Ciardubháin, C., Uí Laighléis, G., Féiniúlacht agus Inspreagadh i gcás Cúntóirí Teanga i Scoileanna Gaeltachta, TEANGA, the Journal of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, 28, 2021, p151-175Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Riordan, Emma, Earls, Clive, Furlong, Áine, Flynn, Colin, Benini, Silvia, Higher Education Language Educator Competences (HELECs), TEANGA, the Journal of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, 27, 2020Journal Article, 2020, DOI
  • Flynn, Colin J., Review of New speakers of minority languages: linguistic ideologies & practices, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 41, (9), 2020, p815-817Journal Article, 2020, DOI
  • Flynn, C. J., Review of Beartas Úr na nGael: Dálaí na Gaeilge san Iar-Nua-Aoiseachas / An Meon Folaithe: Idé-eolaíochtaí agus iompar lucht labhartha na Gaeilge in Éirinn agus in Albain, COMHARTaighde, (4), 2018Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Flynn, C.J., Teaching and researching: motivation, Language, Culture and Curriculum, 26, (2), 2013, p208-211Review, 2013, DOI
  • Flynn, C.J., Foghlaim an Dara Teanga: Modhanna agus Tascanna sa Seomra Ranga [Second Language Learning: Methods and Tasks in the Classroom], Indreabhán, Cló Iar-Chonnacht, 2021, 1 - 217ppBook, 2021, URL
  • Common ground between minority and majority languages: The case of identity. in, editor(s)A.N. Archibald , Multilingual Theory and Practice in Applied Linguistics, London, Scitsiugnil Press, 2013, pp175 - 179, [Murphy, D., Flynn, C.J. ]Book Chapter, 2013
  • The role of culture in minority language learning: The case of adult learners of Irish in, editor(s)F. Farr & M. Moriarty , Language, Learning and Teaching: Irish Research Perspectives , Oxford, Peter Lang, 2013, pp41 - 64, [Flynn, C.J. ]Book Chapter, 2013
  • 'Singleton, David' in, editor(s)C.A. Chapelle , The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (2nd Ed.), London, Wiley, 2023, pp1 - 3, [Flynn, C.J.]Book Chapter, 2023, DOI
  • Ó Duibhir, P., Ní Thuairisg, L., Ó Ciardubháin, C., Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C.], Uí Laighléis, G., Athbhreithniú ar Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga, London, an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, 2020, 1 - 70Report, 2020, URL
  • Flynn, C.J., Relationships Between Identity and Attitudes to the Achievement of Native Speaker Norms in Adult L2 Learners of Irish, Trinity College Dublin, 2014Thesis, 2014
  • Flynn, C.J. and Singleton, D., Translanguaging: a pedagogical concept that went wandering, IRAAL Annual Conference: Applying Linguistics in the 21st Century, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, November 25-26, 2021Conference Paper, 2021
  • Riordan, E. Earls, C., Furlong, Á., Flynn, C. J. and Benini, S., Higher Education Language Educator Competences: Towards a professionalisation of language teaching in Higher Education, IRAAL Annual Conference: Applying Linguistics in the 21st Century, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, November 25-26, 2021Conference Paper, 2021
  • Flynn, C.J., Promoting active adult bilingualism in a minority language context, International Symposium on Bilingualism 13, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, July 10-14, 2021Conference Paper, 2021, URL
  • Flynn, C. J., Ó Duibhir, P., Ní Thuairisg, L., Ó Ciardubháin, C. and Uí Laighléis, G. , The role of language assistants in minority language maintenance education programs, American Association of Applied Linguistics Annual Conference, Online, April 19-23, 2021Conference Paper, 2021
  • Flynn, C.J., Pedagogical concepts for language learning and teaching across cultures., Online Symposium on Language Learning and Teaching Across Cultures , Virtual Conference hosted by the Russian State University of Justice (Kazan branch) & Moscow State Linguistic University, March 18, 2021Conference Paper, 2021
  • Flynn, C.J. and Ó Murchadha, N., Educators' language ideologies and target language varieties for the next generation, IRAAL Annual Conference: 'Threatening' Languages in a Global World, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, November 30, 2019Conference Paper, 2019
  • Flynn, C. J. and Ó Murchadha, N., LX speakers as teachers and language norm authorities in the minority language classroom, IRAAL Annual Conference: Applied Linguistics and Language Strategies: Practices and Policies, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland, November 24, 2018Conference Paper, 2018
  • Ó Murchadha, N. and Flynn, C. J., New speakers as language norm authorities, Sociolinguistic Symposium 22, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, June 26-30, 2018Conference Paper, 2018
  • Ó Murchadha, N. and Flynn, C. J, New speaker competence and varieties: the Irish context, COST Action IS1306 New Speakers in a Multilingual Europe Final Whole Action Conference, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, September 14-16, 2017Conference Paper, 2017
  • Ó Murchadha, N. and Flynn, C. J., Target language varieties and 'new speakers' of minority languages, International Symposium on Bilingualism 11, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, June 11-15, 2017Conference Paper, 2017
  • Flynn, C. J. and Ó Murchadha, N., Perceptions of Irish language variety appropriateness among student teachers, IRAAL Annual Conference: Paradigm Shifting in Applied Languages: New Theories and New Methods, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Ireland, November 19, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
  • Flynn, C. J., Ó Murchadha, N. and Ortega, A., Language policy, speakers' ideologies and new speaker linguistic identity: The case of Irish and Basque, Sociolinguistics Symposium 21, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain, June 15-18, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
  • Ó Murchadha, N. and Flynn, C. J. , Student teachers" engagement with target language varieties for Irish, Celtic Sociolinguistics Symposium II, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. , October 14-16, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
  • Flynn, C.J., Motivation and target speech model selection in Irish language learning, Irish Association for Applied Linguistics 40th Anniversary Conference , Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, November 25, 2015Conference Paper, 2015
  • Flynn, C.J., Becoming a new speaker: Moving from the classroom to the speech community, 2nd International Symposium on New Speakers in a Multilingual Europe: Opportunities and Challenges, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, November 20-22, 2014Conference Paper, 2014
  • Flynn, C.J., Attitudes towards target speech models among L2 learners of a minority language, Speaking in a foreign language: Psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. Institute of Modern Languages, State School of Higher Professional Education, Konin, Poland, May 13-15, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Flynn, C.J., The role of attitudes towards native and non-native varieties in the learning of Irish, 46th Annual Meeting of the British Association for Applied Linguistics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, September 18-20, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Flynn, C.J., Attitudes and orientations towards varieties of the Irish language among adult learners, 5th AILA-Europe Junior Researcher Meeting in Applied Linguistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, June 18-20, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C.], Múineadh na Gaeilge do Mheiriceánaigh: Roinnt léargas nua [Teaching Irish to Americans: Some new insights], Éigse Cholm Cille, University of Ulster, Derry, Northern Ireland, March 13, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Murphy, D., and Flynn, C. J., Common ground between minority and majority languages: The case of identity, 45th Annual Meeting of the British Association for Applied Linguistics, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, 2012Conference Paper, 2012
  • Flynn, C.J., Should I sound like you? And who are you anyway? Adult Irish learners' attitudes towards the achievement of native speaker norms, Interdisciplinary Linguistics Conference, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, October 14-15, 2011Conference Paper, 2011
  • Flynn, C.J., Towards an understanding of integrative and cultural motivation in adult learners of Irish, IRAAL Postgraduate Symposium, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, October 1, 2010Conference Paper, 2010
  • Flynn, C.J., Foghlaimeoirí fásta i gcomhthéacs mionteangacha / Adult learners in minority language contexts, BAAL Newsletter, 122, 2023, p15-17Journal Article, 2023, URL
  • TEANGA, The Journal of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, Ireland, The Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, [Co-Editor-in-Chief], 2017-2020Editorial Board, 2017
  • Learning multiple languages in an instructional setting: insights from the study of affordances and from the conceptualization(s) of translanguaging in, editor(s)D. Gabrys-Barker & E. Vetter , Modern Approaches to Researching Multilingualism, Berlin, Springer, 2024, pp147 - 159, [Singleton, D. & Flynn, C. J.]Book Chapter, 2024, DOI , URL
  • Ní Dhiorbháin, A., Ó Duibhir, P. & Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C. J.], Comhairliúchán don pholasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht: Tuairisc ar dhlínsí comparáideacha, An Roinn Oideachais, 2023, 1-98Report, 2023, URL
  • Ní Dhiorbháin, A., Ó Duibhir, P., Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C. J.] & de Brún, J., Comhairliúchán don pholasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht: Gearrthuairisc ar fhreagraí an phobail ar an gceistneoir, An Roinn Oideachais, 2023, 1-49Report, 2023, URL
  • Consoli, S. & Flynn, C.J., Reflexivity in (Irish) Applied Linguistics: a novel perspective for robust and rich research, IRAAL Annual Conference: Plurilingual Mindsets in an increasingly bi-/multilingual world, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland, November 18, 2023Conference Paper, 2023, URL
  • Flynn, C. J., Adult learners of minority languages: Motivations, methods and multilingualism, 34th International Conference on Second/Foreign Language Acquisition: Psychological perspectives on second/foreign language learning and teaching, University of Silesia, Szczyrk, Poland, May 18-20, 2023Conference Paper, 2023, URL
  • Primary school L2 learning: The general empirical picture and specific policy issues in the Irish context in, editor(s)M. Nikolov & S. Letica Krevelj , Early Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: Evidence Versus Wishful Thinking, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2025, pp292 - 307, [Flynn, C. J. & Singleton, D.]Book Chapter, 2025, DOI
  • Adult migrant learners of Irish: An exploration of motivational factors in, editor(s)J. Simpson & S. Pöyhönen , Minority Language Learning for Adult Migrants in Europe, London, Routledge, 2025, pp142 - 163, [Flynn, C. J.]Book Chapter, 2025, DOI , URL
  • Flynn. C. J., Review of Language Policy and the New Speaker Challenge: Hiding in Plain Sight, by Colin H. Williams , Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Latest Articles, 2024, p1-2Review, 2024, DOI
  • Earls, C. and Flynn, C., "We all know that women are just better at languages" - Interrogating and challenging gendered views of language studies, IRAAL Annual Conference: Plurilingual Mindsets in an increasingly bi-/multilingual world, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland, November 18, 2023Conference Paper, 2023, URL
  • Earls, C., Riordan, E., Furlong, Á., Flynn, C. J., The complex and changing face of higher-education language teaching in the Republic of Ireland, The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (AISHE-J), 14, (3), 2022, p1 - 19Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Riordan, E., Earls, C., Furlong, Á., Flynn, C. , Higher Education Language Educator Competences: A Framework of Competences for Higher Education Language Educators in Ireland, Indreabhán, National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 2021, 1 - 28Report, URL
  • Mionchuntas 18 [Aistriúchán ar 'Microconto 18' le Renata Sieiro Fernandes] in, editor(s)A. Donzela , Guerreira e Outros Microcontos de Renata Sieiro Fernandes, Campinas, SP, Urutua, 2019, pp86 - 86, [Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C.J.]]Book Chapter
  • Flynn, C.J., Plenary: The role of adult learners in minority language revitalization, Irish Association for Applied Linguistics Annual Conference, Munster Technological University, Tralee, Ireland, October 1, 2022, IRAALInvited Talk, URL
  • Flynn, C.J., Adult Learners and their Role in Minority Language Revitalization / Foghlaimeoirí Fásta agus a Ról in Athneartú Mionteangacha, The 2022 Barra Ó Donnabháin Lecture / Léacht Bharra Uí Dhonnabháin, Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, April 28, 2022, Glucksman Ireland House, New York UniversityInvited Talk, URL
  • Flynn, C.J., Translanguaging: Many things to many people, and everything for some, Issues in Applied Linguistics Series, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland, February 16, 2022, English Language & Literature, MICInvited Talk
  • Flynn, C.J., Adult learners of Irish and their (perceived) role in language revitalization, Cultúr na Céadaoine Series, University College Dublin, Ireland, February 9, 2022, Gaeltacht UCD OfficeInvited Talk
  • Flynn, C.J., L2 Motivation in minority language contexts: Some insights from new and not so new research, Forum on Language Learning Motivation, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland, November 23, 2018, Forum on Language Learning MotivationInvited Talk, URL
  • Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C.J.], Feasacht teanga sa seomra ranga: Deiseanna agus dúshláin do theagasc na Gaeilge, Symposium on 'Teagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal: Dúshláin agus Dea-chleachtais', St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, Ireland, September 3, 2015, Roinn na Gaeilge, St. Patrick's College, DrumcondraInvited Talk
  • Flynn, C.J., Language and identity, Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, New York, USA, February 22, 2012, Glucksman Ireland House, New York UniversityInvited Talk
  • Flynn, C. J., Úsáid AI i measc na Mac Léinn: Gnéithe de Shíceolaíocht an Fhoghlaimeora, Dúshlán na hintleachta Saorga do Scoileanna Gaeilge in Institiúidí Tríú Leibhéal, Dublin City University, April 22, 2024, Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, DCUInvited Talk
  • Flynn, C. J., The role of adult learners in minority language revitalization: Some insights from the Irish-language context, Multilingualism in Ireland, University College Dublin, September 8, 2023Invited Talk
  • de Brún, J., Ní Dhiorbháin, A., Ó Duibhir, P. & Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C. J.], Comhairliúchán don pholasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht: Tuairisc ar na haighneachtaí, An Roinn Oideachais, 2023, 1-39Report, URL
  • Ó Duibhir, P., Ní Dhiorbháin, A., Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C. J.], de Brún, J., & Ní Ghealbháin, M., Comhairliúchán don pholasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht: Achoimre ar na moltaí don pholasaí, An Roinn Oideachais, 2023, 1-7Report, URL
  • Flynn, C.J., Integrative and cultural dimensions of language learning by foreign students in Ireland, IV Jornada de Estudos Irlandeses, UNIANDRADE, Curitiba, Brazil, June 17, 2015Invited Talk
  • Colin J. Flynn, Affective factors in learning Irish as a second language: Some insights from recent research, 5th Poznan Conference of Celtic Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland, 8-9 July, 2024Invited Talk
  • Ó Floinn, C. [Flynn, C. J.], Foghlaimeoirí fásta na Gaeilge agus a ról (braite) in athneartú na teanga, Comhdháil Pleanála Teanga 2024, Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland, 30 September, 2024, Foras na GaeilgeInvited Talk, URL

Research Expertise

My research interests come under the broad heading of Second Language Acquisition. I have a particular interest in bi-/multilingualism in adults and children, and in instructed second language acquisition as an avenue to bi-/multilingual competence. My research looks specifically at the role of learner motivation, cultural awareness, metalinguistic knowledge and attitudes towards (target) language varieties in language learning processes. I am also interested in exploring relationships between language learner psychology, language teaching methods and learning contexts.

Education, Psychology and cognitive sciences, Languages and literature,

Recognition

  • Trinity College Dublin, Arts and Social Sciences Benefactions Fund 2023
  • Stiofán Ó hAnnracháin Postdoctoral Fellowship at St. Patrick's College, Dublin City University 2014-2015
  • Trinity College Postgraduate Research Studentship 2010-2013
  • American Psychological Association (APA) present
  • Irish Association for Applied Linguistics present
  • Irish Association for Applied Linguistics Executive Committee 2011-
  • Royal Irish Academy, Coiste Léann na Gaeilge agus an Léinn Cheiltigh / Irish Language and Celtic Studies Committee 2022-