Die Sprache(n) der Wissenschaft

What languages are used in the Austrian scientific community? Is English the new lingua franca? Or is multilingualism still necessary for research and teaching? This volume explores these questions and demonstrates the importance of language skills in science, which thrives on the publication of studies, theories and theses and on peer criticism. However, all these forms of exchange are only possible if the languages relevant to one's own field are adequately mastered. These questions are discussed systematically, based on existing experiences and practices, and theses are developed on the advantages and disadvantages of a globally used scientific language. A mixed-mode study (online survey and guided interviews) in Austria shows that the importance of language skills is viewed quite controversially by academics and very differently according to discipline. For all participants, it is now necessary to communicate and publish in English, but for some this is also a burden. Accordingly, researchers would like to see better language training, more support from universities and an appreciation of the importance of multilingualism. After all, only language skills open up the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other research cultures and international differences. These findings are deepened by seven contributions from communication and linguistic scholars. They argue that Anglophonization is not synonymous with the internationalization of science, that major cultural languages also hold great potential for the development of new ideas and concepts and that, given the political will, the systematic promotion of multilingualism is possible.