Exploring Experiences: An Argument for Multiperspectival Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Bilingual Research

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research and Professional Development in Bi-/Multilingual Education: Perspectives and Advocacy for Educational Justice (Table 4)

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a multiperspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to explore the experiences of bilingual parents of children with autism. These bilingual parents are part of two distinct groups: Portuguese-English speakers and Spanish-English speakers. This multiperspectival approach allows for the participants of these two distinct, yet homogeneous groups to share their experiences and perspectives. We argue for more multiperspectival studies involving bilingual and multilingual individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Authors

• Ana Paula Fabian Freire, Florida International University

• Elizabeth Cramer, Florida International University