Research shows that adolescents have a diverse overall linguistic repertoire. Their everyday life in Germany is characterized by multilingualism and linguistic diversity. However, there is no overview or cross-domain knowledge about which contexts and spaces adolescents explore as mono- or multilinguals, nor which language(s) they choose in different situations. Amongst other reasons, this is due to the methodological challenge of capturing language use in context. The Flexen project addresses this research gap using Ambulatory Assessment (AA), an approach from (clinical) psychology: Multiple short queries at different times will elicit the productive and receptive language choice of adolescents (grades 8-10) in a range of situations. Language variation and multilingual communication are addressed. The data quality, especially validity, can be improved by AA compared to conventional methods (e.g., diary studies). To work in a target-group-oriented manner, a smartphone app for data collection is being developed based on the Lang-Track app (Arndt et al. 2021. The aim of the project is to test and potentially adjust the app and the use of AA in the research context of applied linguistics with an initial group of adolescents (n=40), as well as to gain insights into their mono- and multilingual language choices. In addition, the project will include a qualitative study with individual participants.

Arndt, H., Granfeldt, J. & Gullberg, M. (2021). Reviewing the potential of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) for capturing second language exposure and use. Second Language Research, 39(1), 1–20.