Nexus-analytical perspectives on change

Abstract

Through a literature review, we explore how the concept of change has been theorised over time in nexus-analytical language studies in order to re-examine the nature of change in our own research projects. The notion of change is essential in research drawing on nexus analysis. Indeed, Scollon and Scollon, who developed nexus analysis, see change as one of its “main tasks or activities” (2004, p.9). Expected findings include conceptualisations of change as (1) concrete actions that researchers undertake as nexus analysis often involves a conscious aim to change the nexus being studied. (2) Change can also be a permeating feature of social actions and practices as participants' positions and identities are in flux as people come together with their individual histories, creating their mutual interaction orders and discourses in place. (3) Moreover, nexus analysis aims to capture change across longer time spans and spaces, leaning on diverse research materials and ethnographic, participatory observation. (4) Change can also be conceptualised in terms of “itineraries of transformation” (Scollon, 2009, p.233) to examine the relationship between text, action and the material world. (5) Furthermore, the notion of change may shed light on the participatory, reflexive and critical dimensions of nexus analysis, as it encourages researchers to think about the impact and power that they have on a given nexus of practice by playing a role in it. With the growing number of studies using nexus analysis, this presentation provides an overview of current understandings of change and suggests directions for further research.