Translingualism in Foreign Language Education: Perspectives & Possibilities on Learning Globally

Abstract

This dissertation frames language education through the lens of translingualism so as to expand the theory to further develop educational practices. This research attempts to explain transformative language learning strategies that are translingual in nature which have been found in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts and have the potential to be applied in Foreign Language education contexts. The use of a critical ethnographic perspective taken in this work recognizes the urgency of equitable treatment of students in their language acquisition and the need for translingual competencies on a macro scale in a globalized society. Additionally, the use of authoethnographic data provides a firsthand account which further explicates the benefits of such a pedagogy on an individual/micro scale. Hence this research advocates for more inclusive teaching practices and pedagogies, thereby aiding Western institutions of higher academia in their role of developing civic minded global citizens.