Exploring New Languages and Finding New Voices: Critical Possibilities in International Image-Based Projects With Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Critically Conscious Teachers: Shifting Ideologies and Perspectives for English Language and Biliteracy Development

Abstract

This paper examines the complexities and critical possibilities of using photography with children in two international ethnographic visual research projects. One took place in the city of Luxembourg, in Europe, the other in the village of Banigala, in Pakistan. Both projects combined digital images taken by children with multiple layers of narrative to explore polysemic and polyvocal knowledge as children (individually and collectively) used their photographs as a base from which to document and analyze their understandings, while we (the researchers) did the same. The research aimed to create the generative space for a more critical approach to knowledge production within these cultural contexts and to go beyond knowing to encourage children to become active knowledge producers.

Authors

• Carolyne Ali-Khan, University of North Florida

• Christina Siry, University of Luxembourg