How Many Languages Do You Speak? Narratives of Language, Culture, and Identity Negotiation by Immigrant High School Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Classroom Practices for Social and Environmental Change

Abstract

This study employs narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of two female, first-generation immigrant- and refugee-background students from West Africa. Using interview as conversation for guiding open-ended research questions and Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth (CCW) framework, we present participant narratives that speak to both similar and divergent experiences, that demonstrate a deep understanding of complex social issues presenting both tensions and opportunities for African immigrant and refugee student educational success in the United States. The study draws implications for rephrasing normative thinking about emerging multilingual students of African descent and developing a culturally responsive pedagogy for all students.

Author

• Lydiah Kananu Kiramba, University of Nebraska - Lincoln