VOCLEX (VOCabulary and the multilingual mental LEXicon) is a group focused on vocabulary research (both in first and second languages), including vocabulary acquisition, vocabulary comprehension and production, the mental lexicon, and vocabulary use in society.

Our members research vocabulary-related topics across various languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German. Our focus is on discussing ongoing projects and relevant research, and sharing experiences and expertise related to vocabulary testing and research design, including developing and sharing results from our own research.

The group is currently working on a project investigating language practices across different departments and units at NTNU, as perceived by international staff (those who did not grow up in Norway), and how these may influence their participation in the workplace. We ask whether international staff experience obstacles to reaching a level of Norwegian where they can fully participate in all activities, what these obstacles may be, and what areas of their work life are most challenging in this respect. We also ask about activities and strategies that the participants themselves find helpful to reaching the desired level of Norwegian. The aim is to inform policy-making both locally at NTNU and, in turn, nationally, to ensure that language policies contribute to international staff reaching the necessary level of Norwegian in a manner which is conducive to learning and motivation, avoids stigmatization for those who struggle with the language, and is based on the needs of the international staff themselves.