Dr Ute Walker staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517964

Dr Ute Walker PhD, MA, Saatsexamen

Senior Lecturer in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics

School of Humanities Media and Creative Comm

Ute is a passionate teacher and has worked in multiple academic roles, including teaching German as a foreign language, teaching English as a second or academic language, and Tesol training. From 2011 to 2016 she served as Director of Teaching and Learning for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University. Ute has drawn on her language and linguistics background to achieve practical outcomes for the community, such as setting up a German language nest for migrant families. As part of her involvement in the local and national migrant community Ute is a former Vice-President of the Federation of Ethnic Councils of New Zealand and former president of the Manawatū Multicultural Council. In the latter capacity Ute successfully initiated the establishment of New Zealand's first 'migrant resource centre' now the Manawatū Multicultural Centre. 

Dr Ute Walker is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication at Massey University where she teaches Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. Ute’s doctoral research dealt with the complex relationship between bi/multilingual repertoires, self-concept and settlement of migrants to New Zealand. Her research interests include language acquisition, digitally -facilitated language learning and teaching, bi/multilingualism, language and identity, translanguaging and language policy. Her most recent research examines multilingual policy and practices in early childhood education in Ireland. 

More about me...View less...

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: extension 84964
    Location: SGP 4.17, Sir Geoffrey Peren Building
    Campus: Manawatu

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2004)
  • Master of Arts - Massey University (1996)
  • Staatsexamen (State examination) - University of Cologne (1982)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Applied linguistics, Sociolinguistics

  • Bi/multilingualism
  • digitally-mediated language learning and teaching
  • translanguaging
  • discursive construction of identity and community
  • language policy

Thematics

21st Century Citizenship

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Applied Linguistics and Educational Linguistics (200401): Language in Culture and Society (Sociolinguistics) (200405): Languages, Communication And Culture (200000): Linguistics (200400)

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 0 2

Research Outputs

Journal

Walker, U. (2021). From target language to translingual capabilities. Harnessing plurilingual repertoires for language learning and teaching.. Language, Education and Multilingualism. The Langscape Journal.. 3, 117-134 Retrieved from https://edoc.hu-berlin.de/handle/18452/22957
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, U. (2018). TRANSLANGUAGING: AFFORDANCES FOR COLLABORATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics. 24(1), 18-40 Retrieved from https://www.alanz.org.nz/journal/
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2017). Community building and translingual practice in an international eGroups telecollaboration. ALSIC : Apprentissage des Langues et Systèmes d'Information et de Communication. 20(2) Retrieved from https://journals.openedition.org/alsic/3218
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, U. (2017). Discursive construction of social presence and identity positions in an international bilingual collaboration. Distance Education. 38(2), 193-215
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
4
1
Walker, UG., & vom Brocke, C. (2012). Agile Kommunikationskompetenz: Herausforderungen und Loesungsansaetze fuer den Fremdsprachenunterricht an Hochschulen durch Interaktion in neuen Medien. [Agile communicative competence: Challenges and solutions for foreign language teaching in higher education via interaction in new media]. Fremdsprachen und Hochschule [Foreign languages in higher education]. 85, 5-38
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view more...

Vaccarino, F., & Walker, U. (2012). Responding to the globalisation challenge: A project for migrant families to maintain their language and culture. International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations. 11(2), 155-170
[Journal article]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
3
Walker, U., & Haddon, R. (2011). Foreign language learning conceptualisations of distance learners in New Zealand: Goals, challenges and responses. Language Learning Journal. 39(3), 345-364
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
3
Walker, U. (2010). So fern und doch so nah: Soziale Prasenz und Interaktion im netzgestutzten DaF-Fernunterricht in Neuseeland. (So far and yet so close: social presence and interaction in net-based distance learning of German as a foreign language). GFL German as a foreign language. 2, 39-63 Retrieved from http://www.gfl-journal.de/about.php
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2009). Creating oneself new spaces: Bilingual migrants' identity positioning in personal blogs. Prospect Journal of Australian TESOL. 24(3), 1-13 Retrieved from http://www.ameprc.mq.edu.au/docs/prospect_journal/volume_24_no_3/Walker.pdf
[Journal article]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG., & Vaccarino, F. (2008). Fostering multiple literacies in a linguistically diverse Aotearoa New Zealand: A family biliteracy perspective.. The International Journal of Learning. 15(11), 89-96
[Journal article]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view less...

Book

Walker, U. (2011). Linguistic diversity as a bridge to adjustment: Making the case for bi/multilingualism as a settlement outcome in New Zealand. In Language Policy for the Multilingual Classroom: Pedagogy of the Possible. (pp. 149 - 173).
[Chapter]Authored by: Walker, U.
4
1
Walker, U. (2011). The role of community in preserving Spanish in New Zealand: A Latin American parent perspective. In K. Potowski, & J. Rothman (Eds.) Bilingual Youth: Spanish in English-speaking societies. (pp. 331 - 354). The Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing Company
[Chapter]Authored by: Walker, U.
Vom Brocke, J., White, C., Walker, U., & Vom Brocke, C. (2010). Making user-generated content communities work in higher education - The importance of setting incentives. In Changing Cultures in Higher Education: Moving Ahead to Future Learning. (pp. 149 - 166).
[Chapter]Authored by: Walker, U., White, C.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
9
Walker, UG. (2006). The role of bi/multilingual selves among multilingual migrants in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Implications for language learning and teaching. In MO. O Laoire (Ed.) Multilingualism and Multiple Language Acquisition and Learning: Multilingualism in Educational Settings. (pp. 1 - 19). Baltmannsweiler, Germany: Schneider Verlag Hohengehren
[Chapter]Authored by: Walker, U.

Thesis

Walker, UG. (2004). Language, migration and continuity of being: Notions of migrant language proficiency and self-concept among multilingual migrants in Aotearoa-New Zealand. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Walker, U.

Report

Walker, UG. (2001). A question of ethnicity: One word, different people, many perceptions: The perspectives of groups other than Maori, Pacific peoples, and New Zealand Europeans. Statistics New Zealand.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Walker, U.

Conference

Walker, U. (2019, April). Discourse analysis in a bi/multilingual world: Weaving strands of meaning, identity and community.. Presented at Interaction and Meaning Conference 2019 iMean6. Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, U. (2019). EAP in a multilingual world: opportunities and challenges of translingual practices.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference on Multilingualism. Leiden
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2017, June). The transnational language learner as transformed new speaker?. Presented at International Symposium on Bilingualism (ISB11). Limerick, Ireland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2016, November). Translanguaging – what transformative potential for the 21st century? Translingual agilities in an online collaboration. Presented at ALANZ 2016 Symposium. Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2015). Collaborative activity in an online bilingual exchange: Social presence in an emergent collaborative community. Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2015.. Vol. 1 (pp. 1057 - 1062). Chesapeake, VA: E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2015
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view more...

Walker, UG. (2015, October). Collaborative activity in an online bilingual exchange: social presence in an emergent collaborative community. Presented at E-learn 2015: World Conference on E-Learning. Kona, Hawaii.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2015, October). Engaging across hemispheres: transforming learning through intercultural encounters in an international online collaboration. Presented at Classroom-oriented research: Towards effective learning and teaching. Konin, Poland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2011, August). Connected – but present? The role of social and teaching presence for online interaction in distance language learning. Presented at 16th World Congress of Applied Linguistics(AILA2011) Harmony in diversity: language, culture, society. Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2011, August). Climbing the mountain –virtually: Authentic interaction in online learning partnerships. Presented at LangSem (Massey Region)- "Climb the Mountain". New Plymouth.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2010, July). Social presence and awareness in distance learners’ online interactions. Presented at Awareness Matters: Language Culture Literacy. University of Kassel, Germany.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Skyrme, GR., & Walker, U. (2010, December). Eliciting qualitative spoken information from ESOL research participants. Presented at 16th Applied Linguistics Association of New Zealand Symposium. Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2009, August). Digitale Kommunikationswerkzeuge im DaF Fern-Unterricht: ein Erfahrungsbericht aus Aotearoa-Neuseeland [digital communication tools in distance teaching of German as a foreign language: a report of New Zealand/German experience] Short presentation & poster. Presented at XIV. International Convention for Teachers of German. University of Jena.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2009, August). e-Kollaboration als interaktive Lernumgebung: ein sprachdidaktischer Ansatz in deutsch-neuseeländischer Praxis [e-collaboration as interactive learning environment: a German-New Zealand approach to language didactics]. Presented at XIV. International Convention for Teachers of German. University of Jena.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG., & White, C. (2009, December). From participation and acquisition to engagement, reciprocity and collective cognition in online language learning COLLOQUIUM presentation on "CALL perspectives on acquisition and participation". Presented at Participation & Acquisition: Exploring these metaphors in Applied Linguistics" - 1st Combined conference of the Applied Linguistics Associations of New Zealand and Australia.. Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG., & Holtz (vom Brocke), C. (2008, October). Integrating content-based language learning and intercultural learning online: An international egroups collaboration.. Presented at Clesol Conference (Community Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages Conference). Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2008, August). Telecollaborative writing in e-tandem: Creating distance to promote reflection, agency and voice.. Presented at The 15th World Congress of Applied Linguistics: Multilingualism: Challenges and Opportunities. University Duisburg-Essen.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2008, August). Linguistic diversity in Aotearoa /New Zealand: Demographic fact, policy challenge, settlement opportunity?. Presented at The 15th World Congress of Applied Linguistics: Multilingualism: Challenges and Opportunities. University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG., & Vom Brocke, C. (2008). Integrating content-based language learning and intercultural learning online: An international egroups collaboration. Community Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages Conference. (pp. 218 - 235).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG., & Vaccarino, FA. (2007, November). Biliterate families: A contextualised response to a global challenge. Presented at 14th Applied Linguistics Association of New Zealand (ALANZ) Symposium. International Pacific College, Palmerston North, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2007, May). Being and becoming - notions and dynamics of linguistic self-concept among bi/multilingual migrants in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Presented at 6th International Symposium on Bilingualism. University of Hamburg, Germany.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2007). Dimensions of language proficiency: Perceptions of multilingual migrants in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Poster session presented at the meeting of 6th International Symposium on Bilingualism. University of Hamburg, Germany
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Walker, U.
Vaccarino, FA., & Walker, UG. (2006). Family biliteracy learning: A project to maintain minority community languages and cultures in New Zealand. In AJ. Scott (Ed.) Proceedings of the 10th Community Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages Conference.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Vaccarino, FA., & Walker, UG. (2006, September). Family biliteracy learning: A project to maintain minority community languages and cultures in New Zealand. Presented at 10th National Conference for Community Languages and ESOL. Napier, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2005, September). Language learning - self extension: The multilayered road to knowing, becoming and being bi/multilingual. Presented at 30th Annual Applied Linguistics Association of Australia Congress. University of Melbourne, VIC.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2004). L1 in ESL - paradox or prospect?: Community languages (L1) in ESOL classrooms. 9th Community Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (CLESOL) National Conference. (pp. unpaged). Christchurch, NZ
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2004, September). What is keeping Donald Rumsfeld up at night?: It isn't Letterman but too few qualified, multilingual spies: The not so secret service of multilingual migrants. Presented at Language and Society Conference. Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2003, November). Bilingual selves: Why L2 learners/users need more than L2. Presented at International Conference on Language, Education and Diversity. University of Waikato, Hamilton, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG. (2001). One cannot change languages and cultures without changing one's very being. In R. Barnard, & RH. Eds (Eds.) Bilingualism at the Ends of the Earth: Proceedings. (pp. 115 - 122). Hamilton, NZ
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Walker, U.

view less...

Other

Walker, UG. (2010, October). Local concerns and global connections in an international eGroups community of learners. In Massey staff (Manawatu campus).
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Haddon, RM., & Walker, UG. (2009). Inquiry into international language learning experiences among distance students: Challenges and responses. Presented at Palmerston North , NZ.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Walker, UG. (2006). ''I write - therefore I am (which language and which me?)''. Language, self-construction and multiple literacies. Presented at Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Walker, UG., Scott, AJ., Litwin, G., & Nowitzki, W. (2006, October). Facing the future of language learning. In Goethe Gesellschaft Society Meeting. Presented at Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Vaccarino, FA., & Walker, UG. (2006). Maintaining minority community languages and cultures in New Zealand through family biliteracy learning project. Presented at Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Vaccarino, F., Walker, U.

view more...

Walker, UG. (2005, August). The role of community languages for successful settlement: Not a threat but promise!. : The Role of Community Languages in New Zealand Seminar.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Walker, U.
view less...

Teaching and Supervision

Courses Coordinated

  • 172.131 Language and Communication
  • 272.702 Second Language Learning Theories and Processes
Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 0
Co-supervisor 1 3

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Dana Taylor - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring the professional identity and positioning of internationally qualified nurses as they participate in workplace interactions with colleagues in New Zealand healthcare settings

Co-supervisor of:

  • Vicky Liu - Doctor of Philosophy
    Perceptions and Practices of Second Language Teachers and Learners Using Digital Technologies for Communicative Language Teaching and Learning

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2016 - Carmen Denekamp - Doctor of Education
    The Development of L2 Arab Writers' Proficiency: Autonomy, Online Self-Access Centres, and Advisement
  • 2014 - Jane Kehrwald - Doctor of Philosophy
    Towards An Understanding of Language Learner Development and Learners' Self-Concepts: An Exploratory Practice Approach
  • 2010 - Thitirat Suwannasom - Doctor of Philosophy
    Teacher cognition about technology-mediated EFL instruction in the Thai tertiary context