Transfronterizo Language and Literacy Practices as Community Cultural Wealth

• In Event: 66.058 - Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 66.058-6 - Language Learning in Peer, Community, and Cultural Networks

Abstract

In this paper we present findings of a three-year ethnographic study of transfronterizo (border crossers) students in a dual language program. Transfronterizos are transnational students, who cross national borders in a daily or weekly basis. Here, we synthesize the main findings of the project. We gathered data through participant-observations, focus group interviews with students, individual interviews with teachers and administrators, and artifacts collection. We analyze two main practices that students engaged in when navigating US schools and are part of their community cultural wealth: 1) translanguaging, and 2) recontextualizing. Awareness of how students use these practices in US classrooms may provide an understanding of the resources other transnational students bring to school.

Authors

• Maria Teresa de la Piedra, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Blanca Estela Araujo, New Mexico State University

• Alberto Esquinca, The University of Texas - El Paso