Construyendo Puentes Translanguaging in Community Literacy Spaces

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Laura Beth Kelly
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3378-4609
Stephanie Abraham
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5096-4148
Kate Kedley
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4215-4617
Cinthya Bolanos

Abstract

This paper reports a comparative case study between two distinct community literacy research sites in the United States. Both sites undertook bilingual reading and writing projects in English and Spanish with children, one in a public library and the other in a community center writing program. Over time, these two unrelated projects took a translanguaging turn, and this paper compares and analyzes how translanguaging operated at each site, especially as researchers attempted to promote Spanish. We documented common affordances such as mirroring community language practices and creating inclusive, participatory environments. The comparison also revealed limitations, such as translanguaging’s limited ability to resist the societal dominance of English and challenges associated with enacting translanguaging in programs facing high staff and participant turnover. The study suggests the potential of translanguaging approaches in community literacy projects while also documenting areas for researchers and educators to approach translanguaging work thoughtfully to ensure it meets their program goals.

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Author Biographies

Laura Beth Kelly, Rhodes College

Laura Beth Kelly is an assistant professor of Educational Studies at Rhodes College. Her work relates to  literacy learning and teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse educational contexts. Her work has appeared in Journal of Literacy Research, Reading Teacher, and TESOL Quarterly.

Stephanie Abraham, Rowan University

Stephanie Abraham is an Associate Professor of Language and Literacy Education at Rowan University. She studies the language and literacy practices of emergent bilinguals, both in and outside of schools. She has published in the Journal of Educational Policy, Equity and Excellence in Education, and Discourse: Cultural Studies in the Politics of Education. Her work has been funded by the Spender Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Fulbright Organization.

Kate Kedley, Rowan University

Kate Kedley is an assistant professor in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Education at Rowan University. Dr. Kedley's research centers around critical literacy and education, public engagement, LGBTQ and young adult literature, language education, and social and educational movements in Honduras. Kate has published work in various journals such as the English Journal, Sex Education, the eJournal of Public Affairs.

Cinthya Bolanos, Rhodes College

Cinthya Bolanos is a graduate of Rhodes College, where she obtained degrees in Latin American and Latinx Studies and Educational Studies.