Exploring an Arts-Based Method for Studying Languages and Multilingual Identity

The image a group photo of conference participants
In the photo: Participants of the conference DMMIIC2025

Head of Russian Department Olga Nenonen attended the conference 'Beyond Borders: Creative Methods and Reflexive Approaches to Migration, Media, and Intercultural Dialogue' which took place in Tallinn University, Estonia, from September 16 to 18, 2025. The conference was a part of the ECREA Diaspora, Migration and the Media - International and Intercultural Communication Sections Conference.

This conference invited researchers to address methodological and reflexive perspectives in the exploration of multifaceted migration experiences and intercultural communication. Creative methods, such as digital storytelling, participatory media projects, ethnographic film, and arts-based research have been presented.

As a way of paying tribute to multilingualism, I’ll be weaving different languages into this post.”

16. septembril avati Tallinna Ülikooli Balti filmi, meedia ja kunstide instituudis (BFM Baltic Film, Media and Arts School) DMMIIC2025 spetsiaalse doktorantide töötoaga, mis tõi kokku varase karjääri teadlasi üle Euroopa ja ka kaugemalt. 17. ja 18. septembril algas Tallinna Ülikoolis #DMMIIC2025 konverentsi täismahus akadeemiline programm, mis pakkus tihedat päeva ettekannete, paneelide, sessioonide ja sotsiaalsete tegevustega.

Olga Nenonen together with Eliisa Nenonen presented their paper “Language Portrait by Means of Spoken Word Choreography: Reflexive Perspective on Multilingual Identity” which consisted of live performance by Eliisa Nenonen followed by the research talk. The study explored the multilingual identity of a dancer performing her spoken word choreography and was focused on how languages are embodied, felt, and performed.

The image shows Eliisa Nenonen's dance move
Eliisa Nenonen performing her spoken word choreography

Выступление вызвало живую дискуссию. Докладчики были рады ответить на большое количество вопросов и получили от коллег ценные советы. Проект продолжается.

В программу конференции входила пешая экскурсия по старому городу, которую провели студенты Университета Таллинна. Во время экскурсии и после неё Ольга Ненонен провела своё небольшое полевое исследование современного языкового ландшафта Таллинна, обращая особое внимание на присутствие в нём русского языка. В результате была создана презентация, которая предназначена для обсуждения со студентами на занятиях разговорной практики в Университете Тампере.

The image shows a panoramic view of Tallinn's city centre
Таллинн, панорама Старого города

Author: Olga Nenonen