Learning Through and about Language: Widening the Lens

 

This paper is a summary of the fourth keynote speaker presentation at the 4th ICHELAC conference by  Dr. Marianne Turner, Ph.D (Monash University, Australia)

Translanguaging

Translanguaging is an educational approach that acknowledges and utilizes the multiple languages that students bring into the classroom. This strategy focuses on leveraging students' entire linguistic repertoire to enhance learning, rather than limiting them to a single language. It is especially crucial in diverse classrooms, such as those in Australia, where students come from varied linguistic backgrounds. Allowing students to use all their languages respects and values their multilingualism, making learning more accessible and meaningful. This approach promotes inclusion, making students feel their cultural and linguistic backgrounds are respected and valued, improves comprehension, allowing the use of stronger language skills to grasp new concepts, builds confidence through the use of preferred languages, and enhances critical thinking, encouraging cognitive flexibility. Teachers can implement translanguaging, encouraging discussions in home languages, using bilingual resources, allowing drafting in preferred languages, and creating a classroom environment that values all languages. This approach fosters a more inclusive and effective learning environment, benefiting all students.

Language and Learning

Understanding how language affects learning is fundamental in translanguaging. Language is not just a medium of instruction but a critical component in constructing knowledge. Students’ existing language skills can significantly influence their learning processes and outcomes. When students use their home languages, they can better relate new information to their prior knowledge, enhancing comprehension. Additionally, the ability to switch between languages can aid problem-solving and critical thinking. Recognizing the importance of language diversity in the classroom can lead to more effective and inclusive teaching practices.

Multimodality and Multiliteracies

Multimodality  refers to the use of multiple modes or ways of communication beyond just written or spoken language. Modes include:

·         Linguistic: Use of words, grammar, and syntax.

·         Visual: Use of images, color, layout, and design.

·         Aural: Use of sound, including music, tone, and volume.

·         Spatial: Use of space and arrangement.

·         Gestural: Use of body language, facial expressions, and movements.

Multiliteracies: This extends the idea of traditional literacy (reading and writing) to include these multiple modes of communication, emphasizing that literacy practices are diverse and context-specific.

Digital Multimodal Composing as a Learning Affordance

Digital multimodal composing involves using digital tools to create texts that combine different modes, such as videos, podcasts, or multimedia presentations. This approach can enhance learning by:

·         Providing various ways for students to express their knowledge.

·         Encouraging creativity and critical thinking.

·         Making learning more engaging and relevant to students’ experiences.

 Application of These Ideas in Australian Schools

In the context of Australian schools, applying these concepts involves:

1)      Recognizing and Valuing Students’ Linguistic Diversity

Australian schools can foster an inclusive environment acknowledging the wide range of languages spoken among students. This involves understanding that each student's linguistic background is an asset rather than a barrier. Valuing this diversity creates a sense of belonging and respect for all cultural identities. This can be achieved through policies promoting linguistic inclusivity, professional development for teachers on multicultural education, and celebrating linguistic diversity through events and curriculum content.

2)      Encouraging the Use of Home Languages Alongside the Language of Instruction

Encouraging students to use their home languages in the classroom helps bridge the gap between home and school environments. This approach can support better comprehension and engagement, as students can draw on their stronger language skills to understand and internalize new concepts. Practical strategies include allowing students to discuss topics in their home languages before presenting in English, providing bilingual resources, and supporting bilingual peer collaboration. This dual-language approach ensures that students do not lose touch with their cultural roots while mastering the language of instruction.

3)      Integrating Digital Tools to Support Multimodal Learning and Assessment

Utilizing digital tools can enhance learning providing various ways for students to engage with and demonstrate their knowledge. Multimodal learning involves using different media such as text, audio, video, and interactive activities, catering to diverse learning styles and linguistic abilities. Digital tools can offer translation services, interactive language exercises, and platforms for collaborative projects. Additionally, these tools can facilitate differentiated instruction and assessment, allowing teachers to tailor their methods to meet individual student needs. This integration supports a dynamic and inclusive learning environment embracing technological advancements to enrich education.

Socio-Historical Context and Opportunity

There is a well-established understanding that using students' existing language knowledge in learning is beneficial. Institutions are addressing deficit views of non-standardized ways of communicating by promoting plurilingualism, which values all language varieties.

Plurilingualism

·         Interrelatedness: Languages are interconnected, and individuals draw on their entire linguistic repertoire.

·         Cultural Integration:Language and culture are intertwined, contributing to communicative competence.

·         Flexible Use: The goal is not perfect fluency in multiple languages but the ability to use languages flexibly and purposefully.

·         Overcoming Barriers: Different languages can be used together to convey messages effectively.

A Monolingual Standard

Despite the benefits of plurilingualism, education systems often still operate on a monolingual standard, where language variation is seen as an obstacle rather than an asset.

Language and Student Diversity in Australia

Diversity: Students in Australian schools may:

·         Be learning the language(s) of instruction.

·         Be monolingual in the dominant language but use different dialects.

·         Be exposed to another language at home or in the community but lack confidence in using it.

·         Integrate different languages in their daily lives.

·         Be learning a community language or a foreign language at school.

Translanguaging

Pedagogy – Practice – Theory:

1)      Pedagogical Goals:

·         Co-construct knowledge and allow students to display their learning.

·         Promote awareness of language use and development.

·         Affirm multilingual identities.

·         Support social justice and reflect on language inequality.

2)      Practice:Translanguaging in practice involves using multiple languages in the classroom to enhance learning.

3)      Theory:

·         Language is contextual and mediates worldviews.

·         It is embodied in students and teachers and integrated into learning environments.

·         Meaning-making is social and political, with power dynamics playing a role.

Multimodality

Modes of Communication:

·         Linguistic:Words and language structure.

·         Visual: Images and visual design.

·         Aural: Sound and auditory elements.

·         Spatial: Use of physical space and layout.

·         Gestural: Non-verbal communication.

 Multiliteracies: Recognizing that literacy encompasses a variety of communicative practices across different contexts and modes, not just traditional reading and writing.

Digital Multimodal Composing

Affordance: Using digital tools to create multimodal texts, providing opportunities for richer, more varied forms of expression and learning. By integrating these concepts into educational practices, particularly in diverse settings like Australian schools, educators can create more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments.