Research at the School of Modern Languages

The School of Modern Languages is home to a group of researchers whose interests span ten different language areas with a strong emphasis on the transnational dimensions of contemporary cultural, social and political issues.

The work of our researchers covers a wide range of disciplines, including literary and visual studies, translation, multilingualism, critical theory, memory studies, history, social movements, and politics and policymaking.

Our research themes

Our work is organised around three key thematic groupings, which all present regular research events.

Recordings of our previous research theme events from October 2020 onwards are available to watch on the School’s YouTube channel. View our research theme events playlist.

Interdisciplinary research

Much of our research is interdisciplinary and many of our projects attract the support of funding bodies that include the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, Welsh Government, and the European Union.

We have a strong commitment to the impact of our research: this includes work with schools in the promotion of language learning, providing advice to civil society organisations, partnerships with cultural institutions, and collaboration with grass roots social and cultural organisations, both locally here in Wales and internationally.

We are also home to the online, open access journal New Readings, published by Cardiff University Press.

Doctoral and post-doctoral research

We offer a lively environment for postgraduate researchers and early career researchers, as well as welcoming external researchers via our Visiting Scholars Programme.

We host post-doctoral researchers supported by a range of funders, including Leverhulme Trust, the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship scheme, and the British Academy.