Research Interests
My research centers on question of identity in language learning classrooms with attention to power, explicitly addressing systems of oppression in the aim of promoting equity and justice. To investigate these topics, I employ qualitative methodologies including discourse analysis and ethnography. These topics include:
- representation and inclusion of queer and trans language learners, particularly within K-12 foreign language classes
- post-colonial complexities inherent in the teaching of French, in particular, Francocentrism as an endorsement of white supremacy.
As an education-centered researcher, my goal is to understand and improve teaching practice through the creation of pedagogical resources and teacher education.
Publications
Spiegelman, J. D. (in press). “The pronouns EXIST!”: Linguistic existence in the borderlands as a U.S. non-binary adolescent heritage learner of Spanish. Special Issue: Pluriversalizing the teaching and learning of Spanish: Insights from research to praxis. Critical Multilingualism Studies.
Moore, A., Coda, J., Spiegelman, J. D., & Cahnmann-Taylor, M. (in press). Queer breaches and normative devices: Language learners queering gender, sexuality, and the L2 classroom. Special Issue: Queering multilingualism. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism.
Spiegelman, J. D. (2022). Un regard critique sur le traitement de la francophonie dans deux manuels de français langue étrangère (FLE). The French Review, 95(4). https://doi.org/10.1353/tfr.2022.0077
Spiegelman, J. (2022). Racism, colonialism, and the limits of diversity: Analyzing the francophone “Other” in French foreign language textbooks. In S. Bouamer & L. Bourdeau (Eds.), Diversity and decolonization in French studies (pp. 51-64). Palgrave. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95357-7_4
Spiegelman, J. D. (2022). “You used ‘elle,’ so now you’re a girl”: Discursive possibilities for a non-binary teenager in French class. L2 Journal, 14(3), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.5070/L214351439
Spiegelman, J. D. (2020). Review of Language, Gender, and Sexuality by Scott Kiesling. Applied Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amaa032
Conference Presentations
2023 Urbanski, K. & Spiegelman, J. “I’ll mix it up”: Linguistic self-expression among non-binary adolescent learners of French and Spanish. American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Annual Conference. March 18-21.
2022 Spiegelman, J. & Kolodney, A. Building gender-inclusive world language classrooms beyond the binary: What can we learn from students? American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Annual Convention. Boston, MA. November 18-20.
2022 Spiegelman, J. “I exist because of the trans people who came before me”: Covert acts of resistance in French class by a non-binary student of color. Diversity, Decolonization, and the French Curriculum (DDFC). Online Conference. November 4-5.
2022 Hakeem, H. & Spiegelman, J. Working for diversity and equity in the French curriculum: A forum for teachers. Diversity, Decolonization, and the French Curriculum (DDFC). Online Conference. November 4-5.
2022 Spiegelman, J. Discursive strategies of non-binary learners of French and Spanish in U.S. high schools. Lavender Language and Linguistics Conference. Catania, Italy. May 23-25.
2021 Spiegelman, J. Fighting white supremacy in the French classroom. Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. New York, NY. April 22-24.
2021 Spiegelman, J. “Now you’re a girl”: (Mis)gendering a non-binary teenager in French class. American Association for Applied Linguistics. Online Conference. March 20-23.
2020 Spiegelman, J. Confronting the racism of introductory French materials. Diversity, Decolonization, and the French Curriculum. Online Conference. November 13-14.
2020 Spiegelman, J. Uncovering the hidden francophone curriculum in two world language textbooks. Intercultural Competence Conference, Tucson, AZ. January 23-26.
2015 White, A., Mclean, J., & Spiegelman, J. Teaching privilege: Engaging white students in cross-cultural conversations about race: A look at a middle school racial identity curriculum. National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference, Tampa, FL. December 3-5.
Invited Presentations & Professional Development
2023 Spiegelman, J. Grappling with cisgender positionality in applied linguistics research with trans participants. Invited Colloquium: The politics and practice of allyship in queer applied linguistics and language education. American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL). Portland, OR. March 18-21.
2022 Spiegelman, J. D. Addressing identity: Inclusive language in world language classrooms. Invited panelist, ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Critical Conversations.(presented on Zoom)
2022 Spiegelman, J. Experiences of non-binary language learners: Lessons for educators. Invited professional development workshop for faculty. Montgomery College, Rockville, MA (presented on Zoom).
2022 Spiegelman, J. Fostering gender-expansive school communities. Invited guest lecturer in ED 130, Adolescent Development, Juniata College, Huntington, PA (presented on Zoom).
2022 Spiegelman, J. Engaging critically with language textbooks. Invited guest lecturer in APLING 612: Integrating culture into the language curriculum. University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
2022 Spiegelman, J. Positionality, ethics, and methodology in participatory research with trans and non-binary youth. Applied Linguistics Research Colloquium, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA (presented on Zoom).
2021 Spiegelman, J. Le français inclusif et le français neutre. Guest presenter in Advanced French: Studies in French and Francophone Literature, Franco-American Centre, Manchester, NH (presented on Zoom).
2021 Spiegelman, J. D. & Yepes-Amaya, W. Centering identity in the world language classroom. Workshop in the Race, Equity & Justice Speaker Series at the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, University of Maryland, College Park, MD (presented on Zoom).
2021 Spiegelman, J. The power of representation: Textbook portraits of the francophone world. Guest lecturer in LLED 531: L’éducation interculturelle : Théorie, recherche et pratique. Department of Language and Literacy Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (presented on Zoom).
2020 Spiegelman, J. Learning language beyond the gender binary: Representation, identification, and resistance. Applied Linguistics Research Colloquium, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
2020 Spiegelman, J. Systemic Functional Linguistics: A short introduction. Guest lecturer in APLING 601: Linguistics. Department of Applied Linguistics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
2019 Spiegelman, J. Faculty/Student Mentorship (invited panelist). Middlebury College Board of Trustees Retreat, Middlebury, VT.
2019 Spiegelman, J. Why pronouns? Applied Linguistics Faculty Meeting, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
2018 Spiegelman, J. Bon Voyage ! : Représentations de la francophonie et relations de pouvoir dans deux manuels de FLE. Middlebury College School of French, Middlebury, VT.
Julia D. Spiegelman 