Presentation

The LiRiC Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute (Language, Inclusion, Remediation, Interculturality, and Communication) brings together researchers from the social and cognitive sciences, language sciences, digital sciences, education, information, and communication. Its aim is, on the one hand, to identify language and communication practices that may lead certain individuals and/or social groups into situations of exclusion and, on the other hand, to develop solutions for inclusion and remediation. In particular, LiRiC focuses on innovative remediation methods and tools, such as digital resources, adapted therapeutic and training protocols, innovative teaching methods, new social practices, and digital and educational policies.

LiRiC aims to strengthen research, expertise, and training through a variety of approaches—linguistic, sociological, psychological, and communicational—focused on the analysis of discourse and language practices. This represents a truly interdisciplinary challenge with significant scientific and societal implications, which we address through three areas combining research and training.

• The first area, Inclusion & Health, focuses on language processing in relation to patient health. It aims to better understand patients’ needs, for example through their verbal behavior, and to adapt spoken and/or written communication by explaining medical terms, treatments, or diagnoses to patients and their families.

• The second area, Inclusion & Education, addresses situations in which learners experience exclusion for various reasons, such as insufficient mastery of the language of instruction (for example, individuals whose native language is not English or those with neurodevelopmental disorders), unsuitable teaching materials, or a low-quality family or school environment.

• The third area, Inclusion & Society, examines practices that are socially disapproved of in the current context, which is characterized by the rapid evolution of socio-communicative forms and norms (including digital practices and AI). A lack of knowledge of social norms, as well as their deliberate or unintentional transgression, can lead to verbal and discriminatory violence, resulting in the exclusion of individuals or groups. In addition, inappropriate language policies or a lack of digital resources for regional languages (Alsatian, Corsican, etc.) also contribute to exclusion, particularly among minority populations.

LiRiC thus positions itself as a space for scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, where language is both an object of analysis and a vehicle for inclusion. By combining research, expertise, and training, the Institute contributes to a fundamental rethinking of language and communication practices to address contemporary social challenges.