A Multimodal Approach to Language Learning: Wikipedia as a Tool for Language Translation in a Bilingual Environment

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explores the use of Wikipedia in presenting an educational design using a multimodal approach in structured environments in which interconnected text-based tasks are presented to stimulate dialogical interaction that could lead to a higher level of critical thinking in students. The multimodality of the Wikipedia website is discussed as a platform that involves students (through translation) in the use of authentic online materials to set out innovative language teaching methodologies that respond to the so-called 21st-century skills. Wikipedia was used in this study as a tool for language translation from English second language (source language) into Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga first languages (target languages), respectively, by pre-service language student teachers at a tertiary institution in Namibia. The study explicates the use of Activity Theory as a theoretical framework for the language mediation process. A qualitative research approach and a case study research design were followed. Non-probability sampling was used, and 24 pre-service language student teachers were purposefully selected. Data collection tools such as blogging and artefact analysis of the translated pages were used to obtain an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences with the Wikipedia translation. The findings show how this Wikipedia translation task responds to the educational demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the promotion and development of the languages of Namibia at the tertiary level. It reveals that Wikipedia translation functions as an authentic language learning tool within a communicative language teaching approach in a technology-rich learning atmosphere that leads to total learning of languages. The study recommends the application of Wikipedia translation as a multimodal method that highlights the notion that bilingualism is seen as an asset instead of a liability in language teaching and learning and that methodologies be developed that respond to the way pre-service language teachers process information in the digital age.KeywordsWikipedia translationMultimodalBilingualCommunicative language teachingComputer-mediated communication