Language Use and Participatory Research

Abstract

This essay explores various reasons and politics behind learning a field research language that go beyond the merely pragmatic function of being a tool to collect data. Moreover, the role of language competency in one's field language is interlinked with the ethics of conducting research and by reflecting on specific ethnographic contexts in Guatemala, it is possible to explore some of the contours of participatory research. One dimension, the appropriate language competency in cultural context, collaboration is considered foundational to participatory research. It is argued that ethnographers’ collaborators and friends in their research sites shape the roles and language use. In some cases, it is unethical and culturally disrespectful to not use the language preferred by collaborators. In short, the language used in participatory projects is not just about data collection, it is an ethical choice.