Research Center for Language Acquisition – RCLA

Research Center for Language Acquisition – RCLA (in Icelandic: Rannsóknarstofa í máltileinkun – RÍM) operates under the auspices of School of Humanities at the University of Iceland. It closely collaborates with the Institute of Linguistics, the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute for Foreign Languages, the Vigdís International Center, and the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies.

The RCLA is an interdisciplinary center for academics conducting research in the fields of second language studies, bilingualism, language and culture acquisition, the teaching of second and foreign languages, and curriculum development.

The aim of the RCLA is to:

• to promote interdisciplinary research and to grow national and international collaboration in the field of second and foreign language studies;
• to collect and analyse research data on the acquisition of languages and cultures;
• to disseminate knowledge in second and foreign language studies through both publishing research in open online journals and organising presentations, seminars, and workshops.

Membership:

Academics within the Institute of Linguistics, the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute, the Vigdís International Centre, and the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, who conduct research in the field of second and foreign language studies, bilingualism, acquisition of languages and cultures, and in teaching second and foreign languages, and curriculum development, are entitled to membership. The RCLA’s board exercises its right to grant membership to other academics within or outside of School of Humanities at the University of Iceland. Academics interested in becoming members are welcome to contact the RCLA board (contact information can be found under Meðlimir og stjórn).

Board, meetings, and finances:

During annual meetings, the RCLA elects a three-member board for the duration of one year at a time. Work in the board is unpaid and membership is voluntary. At a minimum, one board member must be a permanent employee of the School of Humanities. The RCLA board shall hold at least one board meeting per year, in addition to the general meeting, and send information about the meetings to the School of Humanities for publication in the annual report.

Research within the RCLA is normally funded by grants and work contributions from permanent employees. The RCLA does not benefit from permanent financial contributions from School of Humanities at the University of Iceland or other institutes, but can apply for job-related grants.

The rules of the RCLA are confirmed by the board of School of Humanities at the University of Iceland.

Bitabox (English translation: lunchbox) – are regularly organised informal meetings, or presentations, during which invited speakers present their research on topics related to research interests of RCLA. Originally, Bitabox used to be held during lunch breaks but due to time and space constrains they have had to be moved to a more suitable time in the afternoon.

Information about current Bitabox can be found HERE.