Expertise
As a sociolinguist and critical discourse analyst, I am interested in unveiling unjust and often hidden educational practices that propagate language shaming and discrimination. I investigate language used in newsmedia, social media and classrooms inquirying on the contexts, purposes and consequences of using certain terms and enacting specific policing practices associated with migration flows and linguistically diverse populations.
My research agenda includes three interrelated strands. The first strand examines how digital media technology can be used to support multilingual learners’ academic writing skills while valuing their voices, linguistic assets and composition strategies. The second strand examines ways to better prepare pre-service and in-service teachers to effectively work with linguistically diverse learners in both virtual and face-to-face environments. The third strand examines ways disciplinary content, academic discourses, and translanguaging practices can be integrated to support and empower emergent bilinguals.