Analyzing the Significance of Cultural Praxis in Reading Research: (Re)Construing Multiculturalism in Literacy Epistemology

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Indigeneity and Methodology (Table 6)

Abstract

Cornerstone to learning is language and literacy. Literacy epistemology is exemplified through praxis that acknowledges languages and cultures. Expanding our view of literacy to include culturally empowering practices broadens and magnifies our views of reading research. Cultural empowerment bridges our literacy, language and learning by recognizing and validating our lived experiences. Focusing on Literacy epistemology or the study of the sources of knowledge, the researcher sought to conceptualize culturally sustaining pedagogical practices as inclusive literacy practices harmonious to our understanding of reading and literacy research. Key to navigating cultural and traditional practices as spaces to counter deficit perspectives, we magnify multilingualism, multiliteracy, and multiculturalism, thus highlighting our strengths that excel and catapult our literacy advantage and challenge the status quo.

Author

• Isela Almaguer, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley