Decolonizing Methodologies Through Epistemic Rupturing: Exploring Multimodal Languages and Literacies of Black and Mexican Communities

• In Event: 45.092 - MTCC Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 45.092-8 - Engaging Learners in Responsive Praxis

Abstract

This methodological paper explored the decolonizing potential of multimodal methods to counter epistemic totality within two inquiries, focusing on the languages and literacies of minoritized groups. Framed by intersectionality and raciolinguistics, these studies were conducted within Black (Researcher 1) and Mexican (Researcher 2) communities. Researcher 1 explored intergenerational language and literacy practices within an African-American family and Researcher 2 examined the literacy experiences of immigrant students within their school community, respectively. Utilizing sensory-based methods, including language silhouettes photo-elicited and poster-making interviews, participatory observations, walking tours, findings uncovered the participants’ use of wonderment (an “epistemic rupture”) to advance counternarratives about their literate and linguistic identities.

Authors

• Madji Fall, Rowan University

• Pamela M. Jones, Bank Street College