Multimodal and Digital Literacies in Transnational Contexts: Diverse Representations of Equitable Multilingual Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In today's transnational and digital society, acknowledging and learning from the unique knowledge and experiences of multilingual individuals is essential for achieving just educational renewal. This session focuses on the integration of diverse forms of knowledge in transnational contexts into multimodal and digital literacy practices, emphasizing translanguaging within family and educational settings. The four papers offer empirical evidence on home literacy environments, pre-service teachers' digital practices, newcomer parents' perspectives on children's digital usage, and transnational parent knowledge. Together, they challenge deficit-based perspectives of multilingual learners and highlight the critical role of transnational experiences in shaping effective literacy practices. The session provides strategic insights for educators and policymakers to support multilingual and culturally diverse learners.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Theory, Research and Practice

Chair

• Emma Xing Chen, Western Washington Universtiy

Papers

• Rethink Home Literacy Practices: Multimodal Meaning Making Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young Children - Xiaoxiao Du, University of Manitoba

• Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions and Digital Literacy Practices in Teaching Multilingual Students - Luqing Zang, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

• Perspectives of Newcomer Parents on Children’s Digital Usage at Home in Canada - Yina Liu, University of Alberta

• Integrating Transnational Parent Knowledge into Multimodal and Digital Literacies: A Translanguaging Approach in Family Literacy - Emma Xing Chen, Western Washington Universtiy

Discussant

• Zhongfeng Tian, Rutgers University - Newark