11/04/23 - Gro Hege Saltnes Urdal (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

Gro Hege Saltnes Urdal is a professor at The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Abstract: In a small field of research such has the field of interpreting, many studies recruit students as participants. In some cases, the research is conducted on and/or with one’s own students since many researchers are also interpreting teachers. However, researchers’ proximity to their field of interest can make it difficult to create what Bourdieu called “the strange point of view”, which is needed to look beyond the field’s implicit beliefs when producing new knowledge. Based on a Bourdieusian approach to reflexive sociology, this presentation will discuss proximity and distance when conducting research on and with one’s own students. To problematize proximity and distance in a research project, a case in which a teacher/researcher conducted research on and with her own students in a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and interpreting will be described and discussed. In the presentation I will argue that student participation and input to the case primarily created an epistemological rupture and represented the strange point of view that became a counterweight to the researcher’s proximity to the field, but that the participation was beneficial for the students as well.

The seminar takes place at HVL and is offered in a hybrid format via Zoom. The talk will be from 12:00 to 13:00 and is preceded by our weekly sign lunch at HVL from 11:15 to 12:00.

To receive the Zoom link to connect, please send an email to Ari Price (jupr@hvl.no) to be added to the mailing list.