Promoting and Problematizing Multi/Plural Approaches in Language Pedagogy

Abstract

Today’s increased scholarly attention to linguistic multiplicity, plurality, and hybridity for educating learners of English as an additional language is represented by notions of translanguaging and plurilingualism. However, without critical awareness of power and neoliberal complicity of diversity, this liberal orientation may not solve aggravating real-world problems that undermine human and linguistic diversity. This chapter critically examines both possibilities and potential problems of translanguaging and plurilingualism with a focus on writing in an additional language. Through critically examining (1) discrepancies between the multi/plural ideal and real-world challenges, (2) paradoxes of reality and ideology contained in multi/plural linguistic practices and linguistic normativity, and (3) ideological synergy with liberal multiculturalism and neoliberal multiculturalism, I will advocate critical engagement in multi/plural approaches with a vision of transforming not only the conceptualization of language but also structural barriers and language ideologies in relation to race, class, nationality, and other social identities.