Learning Through and About Language: Widening the Lens (Dr. Marianne Turner)

In our increasingly interconnected world, it's essential to understand and utilize the diverse linguistic abilities of students. The concept of plurilingualism, which recognizes the interconnected nature of languages within an individual, provides a modern approach to language education. This blog examines how plurilingualism, translanguaging, and multimodality can enhance language learning, drawing on recent research and practical applications.

Plurilingualism and Language Learning

Plurilingualism emphasizes that languages and cultures are not isolated in the mind but contribute collectively to communicative competence. The goal is not to achieve equal proficiency in multiple languages but to adapt language use based on social and communicative contexts. This approach breaks down barriers between languages, allowing students to leverage their linguistic resources effectively.

The Role of Translanguaging

Translanguaging involves using multiple languages to make sense of the world, particularly for bilinguals. As a teaching method, it aims to:

1. Co-construct and display knowledge.

2. Foster metalinguistic and cross-linguistic awareness.

3. Affirm multilingual identities.

4. Promote social justice and critical reflection on language inequality.

Translanguaging is not merely a method but a practice deeply ingrained in daily communication. It challenges the idea of fixed language boundaries, emphasizing its dynamic and context-dependent nature.

Multimodality and Digital Multimodal Composing

Multimodality involves creating meaning through various modes—linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural. It complements translanguaging pedagogy by supporting diverse forms of expression. Digital Multimodal Composing (DMC) combines linguistic and non-linguistic resources, offering rich learning opportunities for bilingual students. DMC encourages playful composing processes, enabling students to experiment with different languages and modes, reducing cognitive load and fostering deeper engagement with language.

Affordances in Language Education

Affordances refer to the possibilities the environment offers. In language education, recognizing the affordances of plurilingual strategies, especially through DMC, can significantly enhance learning. Teachers are crucial in identifying and leveraging these opportunities, integrating home and community languages into the classroom. 

Normalizing diverse language practices in the classroom is vital for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. Teachers' attitudes towards students' existing linguistic knowledge and experiences are critical. By embracing multimodality and translanguaging, educators can create a richer, more dynamic approach to language education. Understanding language in a broader sense, encompassing both literacy and oracy, opens up new learning opportunities. Incorporating machine technology for translation and meaning-making further enriches this learning process, making education more accessible and meaningful for all students. Implementing these strategies in the classroom not only enhances language learning but also validates and celebrates students' linguistic diversity, promoting a more equitable and inclusive educational experience.