Complicating the field: World Englishes and digital ethnography

Chapter

Author(s) / editor(s):
Theresa Heyd

Year: 2023

In: New Englishes, New Methods, Guyanne Wilson, Michael Westphal (eds.), John Benjamins Publishing Company, pp. 243–262.

Keywords: digital ethnography, fieldwork, computer-mediated communication, research ethics
Language(s): English

Abstract:
In this contribution, I explore the growing role of digital communication for the study of World Englishes and specifically the potential of digital ethnography as a methodological framework. I outline basic principles and traditions of digital ethnography and point out continuities between the importance of traditional, on-the-ground fieldwork for World Englishes, and consequences of more complex and fuzzy notions of the digital field. I give a closer examination of applications of digital ethnography by pointing to three case studies in different global settings. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the research ethics gap in digital ethnography and initial suggestions for ethical grounding of digital ethnography approaches in World Englishes.

https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/books/9789027252876-veaw.g68.12hey

Post created by: Lymor Wolf Goldstein