Resisting Tongues: Gambian Diaspora's Political Activism Through Translocal Digital Literacies

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Teacher Efficacy and Politicized Curriculums in Belize, Africa, and the Caribbean

Abstract

The present paper details the investigation of the Gambian diaspora’s activist literacies born as a response to tyrannical political leadership in their homeland. Sociolinguistics of Globalization, New Literacies, and Transnationalism are used to frame this work. An online survey, interviews, and social media observations were employed to examine the intersectionality of literacy and globalization in the context of perpetual dictatorship. Findings indicate that a heightened sense of community and a desire to contribute to political decisions in the homeland give rise to activism. In addition, the transnational characteristics of this diaspora’s identities and literacies find social media to be the most appropriate platform for activist activities. These findings’ implications and recommendations for future research are also presented and explored.

Author

• Madji Fall, Rowan University