What would my participation consist of?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you agree to join the study, you’ll be expected to provide information through three instruments: 1) electronic questionnaire, 2) interview (face-to-face or online) and 3) sample materials.

Participation in the study starts with reading and signing the letter of consent, which explains what the project consists of and the terms and conditions. Signing the letter authorizes the researchers to use the information provided in the study in compliance to the ethical protocol established.

Once you’ve signed the letter of consent, you’ll be asked to answer the electronic questionnaire, where you’ll be presented with questions aimed at eliciting general personal information (age, place of residence, etc.) and information on the languages/varieties that you speak and use daily. At the end of the questionnaire, you’ll be asked to enter your email address to contact you to book the interview and to agree on the sample materials to turn in.

The interviews can be held online or face-to-face on the day and time that is most convenient for you. This activity will last 30-40 min and you’ll be asked questions based on the questionnaire’s information (languages/varieties, daily use, etc.) to go further into your comments and experiences.

When booking the interview, you’ll be asked to provide photos or scanned images (PDF, JPG) of class notes, personal objects (shirts, posters, memorabilia, books, etc.), places (house, office, school, city/town) where we can see manifestation of the languages/varieties used daily. All the images provided will be carefully checked to avoid showing any elements that might identify you. These materials can be turn in via email, on the day of the interview or at any point during the data gathering period.