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This visit built upon an earlier dialogue initiated during Professor Ryoko Hayashi's visit to Tallinn University in November 2024 (read more about her visit here). Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja delivered a series of thought-provoking guest lectures, showcasing her expertise in multilingualism, language policy, and sociolinguistics.

In her lecture “Multilingual Family Language Policies amid COVID-19: Global Insights,” Professor Zabrodskaja explored the shifts in family language practices and policies during the pandemic. Drawing from international case studies, she highlighted how lockdowns and increased time spent at home reshaped language use in multilingual households. Her presentation emphasized the social and affective factors influencing parents' decisions about language maintenance and development, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of linguistic identity during a global crisis.

In “Language Policies, Ideologies, and Beliefs in Russian-Estonian Families in Estonia,” Professor Zabrodskaja investigated the sociolinguistic realities of Russian-Estonian families. She examined how language ideologies—both at the individual and societal levels—affect language transmission, bilingualism, and identity among younger generations. The lecture also addressed the challenges posed by Estonia's evolving language policies and the ways families manage these within the broader context of societal integration.

Her lecture-seminar “Estonian Multilingualism: The Linguistic Landscape as a Reflection of Language Dynamics in Estonia,” delivered during the symposium "Language and Migration” at the Centre for Migration Studies, provided an in-depth look at the complexities of multilingualism in Estonia. By analyzing the linguistic landscape—visible signs, public notices, and advertisements—she demonstrated how language choices reflect historical, cultural, and demographic changes. The presentation also touched on the interaction between migration and language use, highlighting the role of linguistic landscapes in shaping public perceptions of diversity and inclusion in Estonian society.

These lectures not only demonstrated Professor Zabrodskaja's deep engagement with issues of language, identity, and migration but also sparked meaningful discussions among the audience, contributing to a richer understanding of multilingualism and intercultural communication in various sociocultural contexts.

This Erasmus+ exchange also provided numerous networking opportunities. Professor Zabrodskaja engaged with staff specializing in migration studies and related fields, fostering discussions about potential collaborations and research initiatives. Notably, she held a strategic meeting with the Dean of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, Professor Kiyoshi Umeya, and the Head of the International Exchange Committee, Professor Hirotaka Inouye, to discuss future academic exchanges of students and joint research projects.

The accurately planned schedule by Professor Ryoko Hayashi ensured a seamless execution of the Erasmus+ teaching and training activities. In addition to academic engagements, Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja’s visit included (in)formal networking events, such as shared meals and scientific discussions with colleagues, which strengthened professional and personal connections.

The productive Erasmus+ visit further solidified the relationship between Tallinn University and Kobe University, paving the way for meaningful collaborations and expanding academic exchange. By contributing to the global research dialogue, the visit enriched both institutions and highlighted their shared dedication to fostering international cooperation in the field of intercultural communication.

The text is authored by Dr. , who is a Professor of Intercultural Communication, the Head of the Master’s Program in Communication Management at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, and the Executive Director of the European Masters in Intercultural Communication (EMICC) teaching and research network.