Reflexive Multilingual Approaches to Researching War-Displaced Ukrainians

The profound impact of forced displacement on individuals’ language practices and identity construction extends directly into the realm of research, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for qualitative inquiry. A recent study delves into these complexities, examining reflexive multilingual approaches to understanding the experiences of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The research, conducted across Germany and Australia, highlights how linguistic positionality—an individual’s situatedness within a linguistic landscape—is dynamically negotiated during multilingual interviews, particularly when researchers and participants share cultural backgrounds and overlapping linguistic repertoires.

The study, published in Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, draws on three empirical qualitative studies to illustrate the intricate ways in which participants’ linguistic positionalities are shaped and reshaped. These factors include perceived language proficiency and associated linguistic insecurity, the emotional weight tied to specific languages, individual linguistic identity, the overarching context of war and migration, the specific topics and settings of interviews, and crucially, the researchers’ own language choices and the language identities participants attribute to them.

The Interview as Social Interaction

At the core of this research is the understanding of the interview not merely as a data-gathering tool, but as a form of social interaction, as articulated by Arnulf Deppermann (2013). This perspective is vital when examining multilingual contexts, where language choices are deeply interwoven with social dynamics, identity performance, and emotional expression. The researchers found that for many Ukrainian participants, the interview space served as more than just a platform for sharing experiences; it became a site for language practice, a chance to demonstrate linguistic effort, and a means to linguistically process their traumatic experiences.

The authors, Dariia Orobchuk, Olga Maxwell, Lesya Skintey, and Maryna Hontar, emphasize that while interviewing multilingually can unlock access to more authentic and nuanced data, it also necessitates a sophisticated navigation of interactional processes. This is especially true in contexts characterized by emotional openness and a fluid use of multiple languages. The very act of code-switching, a common practice in multilingual communities, becomes a significant site of negotiation, revealing deeper layers of identity and experience.

Background: The War in Ukraine and Mass Displacement

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which commenced on February 24, 2022, triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, leading to the largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety within Ukraine or in neighboring and distant countries. This mass exodus has had profound consequences, not only on the geopolitical landscape but also on the personal lives and linguistic identities of those displaced. Many individuals have found themselves in new linguistic environments, often requiring them to adapt their language use, re-evaluate their linguistic allegiances, and navigate complex feelings associated with their mother tongue and adopted languages. The war itself has also intensified linguistic shifts within Ukraine, with a notable increase in the use of Ukrainian and a decrease in Russian, reflecting a broader societal movement towards linguistic decolonization and national identity assertion, as explored by scholars like Volodymyr Kulyk (2023, 2024).

Methodology: Navigating Linguistic Complexity

The research team employed a reflexive multilingual approach, acknowledging the inherent complexities of conducting research across linguistic boundaries, especially in the context of trauma and displacement. Their work builds upon existing scholarship in researching multilingually, which advocates for a conscious engagement with the linguistic repertoires of both researchers and participants (Holmes et al., 2013; Goodman & Seilstad, 2025b).

Key to their methodology was the concept of "linguistic positionality." This refers to how individuals’ language use and identities are shaped by their personal histories, migration trajectories, current circumstances, and the social and political contexts they inhabit. In the case of war-displaced Ukrainians, this positionality is further complicated by factors such as:

• Migration Trajectories: Individuals who fled early in the conflict may have different linguistic experiences and repertoires compared to those who left later or are still in Ukraine.
• Linguistic Repertoires: While many Ukrainians are bilingual in Ukrainian and Russian, the war has intensified shifts in language use and attitudes, leading to a conscious embrace of Ukrainian and, in some cases, a rejection of Russian. This dynamic is explored by Maxwell, Kudriavtseva, & Skubii (2024) in their discussion of reclaiming Surzhyk and linguistic decolonization.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Trauma associated with war and displacement can significantly influence language use, comfort levels with certain languages, and the emotional valence attached to linguistic choices (Busch & McNamara, 2020; Cook & Dewaele, 2022).
• Social and Political Context: Language is deeply intertwined with national identity and political allegiance, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. Participants’ perceptions of language use can be influenced by broader societal trends and political discourse (Kulyk, 2022).

The researchers actively engaged in "linguistic reflexivity," a process of critically examining their own role, biases, and linguistic choices in the research process. This involved being attuned to how their own language use might influence participants, how participants perceived their linguistic identities, and how these dynamics shaped the data collected. This self-awareness is crucial for ethical and rigorous qualitative research, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations (Goundar, 2025; Holmes, 2020).

Key Findings: The Negotiation of Positionality

The study identified several critical aspects of how linguistic positionality was negotiated in the interviews:

• Perceived Language Proficiency and Linguistic Insecurity: Participants’ self-assessment of their proficiency in Ukrainian or other languages played a significant role. Some expressed insecurity, particularly if they had primarily used Russian for an extended period, even if they understood Ukrainian. This insecurity could influence their willingness to engage in certain linguistic practices or express certain ideas.
• Lived Emotional Experiences Tied to Language: For many, language is not merely a tool for communication but is deeply connected to their emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and past experiences. The war has amplified these connections, making language choices a potent indicator of identity and resilience. As Dewaele (2010) notes, emotions are intricately linked to multilingualism.
• Linguistic Identity: Participants’ sense of themselves as speakers of certain languages—be it Ukrainian, Russian, Surzhyk (a mixed Ukrainian-Russian vernacular), or other languages—was a central element in the interview dynamic. The war has led to a heightened awareness and, in many cases, a strengthening of Ukrainian linguistic identity (Kulyk, 2023b; Orobchuk, 2024).
• Wartime and Migration Context: The immediate reality of war and displacement created a unique backdrop for the interviews. Participants’ language use could be influenced by their desire to express solidarity, process trauma, or simply communicate their immediate needs and experiences. The context of forced displacement itself highlights the importance of understanding language in relation to identity and belonging (Heugh, 2017).
• Interview Topics and Settings: The sensitivity of certain topics, such as personal experiences of violence or loss, could influence participants’ language choices. Similarly, the interview setting—whether conducted online, in person, in a formal or informal environment—could affect the level of linguistic comfort and openness.
• Researchers’ Language Choices and Attributed Identities: The researchers’ decisions about which language to initiate the interview in, or their flexibility in switching languages, had a direct impact on the interaction. Participants also actively attributed language identities to the researchers, which could influence their engagement and the nature of the information shared. This highlights the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in researcher positioning (Rolland et al., 2020).

The Interview as a Space for Language Practice and Processing

A particularly insightful finding was that some participants viewed the interview not just as an opportunity to be heard but as a space for active language engagement. They used the interview to "display their linguistic efforts," consciously practicing Ukrainian or navigating the complexities of their multilingual repertoires. This perspective underscores the dynamic nature of language use in the context of migration and identity negotiation. It suggests that research interviews can serve as a form of linguistic revitalization or adaptation for individuals navigating new linguistic landscapes.

Furthermore, the interviews provided a platform for "linguistically processing their experiences." The act of articulating traumatic events, even in a non-native language or through code-switching, can be a therapeutic and empowering process. This aligns with research on narrative and identity, where the articulation of experience is central to making meaning (Pavlenko, 2007; Ellis et al., 2010).

Enriching Data and Enhancing Interview Dynamics

The study strongly advocates for the benefits of multilingual interviewing in research with displaced populations. By embracing the full linguistic repertoires of participants, researchers can gain access to more authentic and comprehensive data that might otherwise remain inaccessible. This approach acknowledges the complex realities of bilingual and multilingual lives, moving beyond the limitations of monolingual research paradigms, which have long been critiqued in the field of linguistics (Auer, 2007).

The fluidity of language in multilingual interviews can also enrich interview dynamics. It can foster a greater sense of rapport and understanding between researcher and participant, creating a more collaborative and less transactional research encounter. When participants feel their linguistic identities are respected and accommodated, they are more likely to engage openly and authentically. This is particularly important when researching sensitive topics, where trust and comfort are paramount (Costley & Reilly, 2021).

Challenges and Nuances

Despite the advantages, the researchers are keen to highlight the considerable demands of multilingual interviewing. It requires a high degree of linguistic sensitivity and an acute awareness of interactional nuances. Researchers must be adept at:

• Recognizing and responding to subtle linguistic cues: This includes understanding the implications of code-switching, shifts in register, and the use of specific linguistic markers that may carry emotional or cultural weight.
• Managing power dynamics: The power imbalance inherent in the researcher-participant relationship can be amplified in multilingual contexts. Researchers must be mindful of how their language choices and perceived linguistic competence might influence the participant’s willingness to speak or the content of their responses.
• Navigating emotional openness: Displacement and war are inherently emotional experiences. Multilingual interviews can evoke strong emotions, and researchers must be prepared to handle these with sensitivity and ethical care. The interplay of language and emotion is a critical area of study (Dewaele, 2010).
• Ensuring ethical considerations: The ethical dimensions of multilingual research are complex, encompassing issues of consent, confidentiality, and the potential for re-traumatization. Researchers must be well-versed in ethical guidelines for research with displaced populations (Krause et al., 2024; Dhillon & Ulmer, 2024).

Implications for Research and Policy

The findings of this study have significant implications for how researchers approach studies involving displaced populations, particularly those affected by conflict.

• For Researchers: It underscores the necessity of training in multilingual research methodologies and linguistic reflexivity. Researchers working with Ukrainian refugees or other displaced groups should actively consider their own linguistic repertoires and how they might best facilitate authentic communication. This includes being open to using participants’ preferred languages, even if it means stepping outside of the researcher’s primary linguistic comfort zone.
• For Academic Institutions: Universities and research bodies should invest in developing resources and training programs that support multilingual research practices. This could include language support for researchers, access to interpreters and translators when necessary, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration between linguists, sociologists, and psychologists.
• For Policy Makers: The study highlights the importance of language in the integration and well-being of displaced individuals. Policies that support access to language education, acknowledge the linguistic diversity of refugee communities, and recognize the emotional and identity-related significance of language can contribute to more effective and humane support systems. The findings also indirectly speak to the broader linguistic shifts occurring in Ukraine itself, as the nation asserts its linguistic identity in the face of ongoing aggression (Kulyk, 2025).

In conclusion, this research provides a valuable contribution to the growing field of researching multilingually, offering critical insights into the complex interplay of language, identity, and trauma among war-displaced Ukrainians. By embracing reflexive multilingual approaches, researchers can not only gather richer data but also foster more ethical, respectful, and meaningful interactions with those they study, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the human experience of displacement and conflict.