Navigating Taiwan’s Bilingual Education Reform and Sustainability Movement through a Glocalization Lens

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Taiwan’s bilingual education and multilingualism are integral to its national strategy, addressing global competitiveness and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Since 2008, reforms have evolved to strengthen biocultural and linguistic sustainability, embedding these priorities in policy and social movements. This panel presents three case studies illustrating how Taiwan’s bilingual initiatives intersect with sustainability practices, tailored to both local needs and global challenges. The discussion explores the influence of global English ideologies and neoliberal trends, highlighting Taiwan’s unique approaches that balance local culture, international standards, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will gain practical strategies for navigating the intersections of bilingualism, sustainability, and “glocal” educational contexts.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Bilingual Education Research

Chair

• Ming-Hsuan Wu, Adelphi University

Papers

• Fostering Intercultural Competence through Translanguaging: A Bilingual Program Connecting Taiwanese and Taiwanese American Youth - Ming-Hsuan Wu, Adelphi University

• Glocalized Professional Development for Sustainable Bilingual Education in Taiwan - Rae Ping Lin, National Taiwan Ocean University; Wenli Tsou, National Cheng Kung University

• Translanguaging in Action: A Sustainable Model for the Expanding Circle - Ivy Haoyin Hsieh, National Dong Hwa University

Session Organizer

• Ming-Hsuan Wu, Adelphi University

Discussant

• Genevieve Leung, University of San Francisco