Empowering Linguistic Diversity: Augmented Reality for Teaching Linguistic Justice in Schools

Core Concepts

Leveraging augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity, challenge linguistic racism, and promote linguistic justice in educational settings.

Abstract

This position paper presents the AR Language Map, a speculative educational tool designed to deepen middle and high school students' engagement with concepts of linguistic justice through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology. The AR Language Map builds upon the existing SKILLS (School Kids Investigating Language in Life and Society) program, a social justice-oriented academic outreach initiative that introduces students from linguistically, economically, and racially marginalized backgrounds to academic concepts related to language, culture, race, and power.
The AR Language Map extends the current SKILLS language mapping activity by transforming static language maps into immersive, interactive experiences. Instead of merely viewing flat representations, students can engage with virtual embodiments of their peers' linguistic journeys, allowing them to directly experience the nuances of language use in different social contexts and the emotional resonances attached to these linguistic choices. This enhanced engagement aims to foster empathy, challenge linguistic racism, and valorize linguistic diversity among students.
The development of the AR Language Map follows a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) approach, enabling students to actively contribute to the design and implementation of this innovative educational tool. This process not only makes the learning experience more culturally relevant and personally meaningful but also provides students with the opportunity to become co-creators of their educational experiences.
The authors envision future advancements of the AR Language Map, such as the integration of AI-powered interactive dialogues, to further personalize the learning experience and deepen students' understanding of linguistic justice. By leveraging the power of augmented reality, this project seeks to transform the way linguistic justice is taught and understood, making it more accessible, engaging, and impactful for students of all ages.

Stats

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Quotes

"Linguistic justice is a concept promoted by growing numbers of linguists who advocate for respect and recognition of individual and community language rights, emphasizing the importance of communication in one's preferred language(s)."
"By integrating linguistic justice into educational curricula, we can challenge and help to dismantle systemic inequities perpetuated through linguistic racism and other forms of linguistic oppression."
"When minoritized students' language experiences are valued, they start to utilize their linguistic capital as a resource and recognize their linguistic agency, which helps them to thrive in the educational system."

Key Insights Distilled From

Teaching Linguistic Justice through Augmented Reality

by Ashvini Vara... at arxiv.org 04-22-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.12563.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the AR Language Map be adapted to address the unique linguistic experiences of students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds?

The AR Language Map can be adapted to address the unique linguistic experiences of students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds by incorporating features that allow for personalization and customization based on individual experiences. This adaptation can involve providing options for students to input their specific language varieties, dialects, and communication styles. Additionally, the AR Language Map can include interactive elements that cater to different cultural norms and practices, ensuring that students from various backgrounds feel represented and valued in the learning process. By incorporating a wide range of linguistic representations and cultural references, the AR Language Map can create a more inclusive and immersive learning experience for all students.

What potential challenges might arise in implementing the AR Language Map in schools, and how can they be effectively addressed?

One potential challenge in implementing the AR Language Map in schools could be the availability and access to the necessary technology. Not all schools may have the resources or infrastructure to support AR technology, which could create disparities in access among students. To address this challenge, schools can seek partnerships with technology companies or educational organizations to provide funding or resources for implementing AR technology in classrooms. Additionally, training and support for teachers in using AR technology effectively can help overcome any technical barriers.
Another challenge could be resistance or skepticism from educators or administrators who may be unfamiliar with AR technology or hesitant to integrate new tools into the curriculum. To address this, professional development opportunities can be offered to educators to familiarize them with the benefits of AR in education and provide guidance on how to effectively incorporate the AR Language Map into existing lesson plans. Building a supportive community of practice among educators can also help in overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of innovation in schools.

How can the integration of the AR Language Map into the SKILLS curriculum be leveraged to inspire broader educational reforms that prioritize linguistic justice and equity?

The integration of the AR Language Map into the SKILLS curriculum can be leveraged to inspire broader educational reforms that prioritize linguistic justice and equity by serving as a model for inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. By showcasing the value of incorporating students' linguistic diversity and experiences into the curriculum, the AR Language Map can demonstrate the importance of recognizing and validating all forms of language and communication.
Furthermore, the success of integrating the AR Language Map into the SKILLS curriculum can serve as a catalyst for systemic change in educational policies and practices. Educators and policymakers can be inspired to reevaluate existing language education frameworks and prioritize linguistic justice by promoting multilingualism, challenging linguistic biases, and creating more inclusive learning environments for all students. The AR Language Map can be a powerful tool for advocating for educational reforms that center on equity, diversity, and social justice in language education.