Multilingualism Through Korean Youth's Multimodal Transnational Interactions

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Language Development Across Contexts and Mediums

Abstract

In the era of globalization, the dominance of English has extended well beyond the U.S. challenging transnational youth’s multilingualism. Drawing on critical sociocultural theory, this paper examines the multimodal language experiences of six U.S. Korean youth within transnational spaces. Analysis of eighteen youth interviews, language maps, digital media artifacts, and field notes revealed that transnational spaces create comfortable multimodal opportunities for transnational youth to use their multilingualism, including reinforcement of their Korean heritage language. These transnational youth “stay connected” transnationally across space and time using their digital devices. Implications for educators are discussed.

Authors

• Hyesun Kim, University of Utah

• Veronica E. Valdez, University of Utah