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Multiliteracies and multilingualism in adult migrants: A systematic review

Year of publication:

2023

Authors:

Ávila-López, J., & Rubio Alcalá, FD.

State:

Published

Type of research:

Publication type:

Abstract. The communication paradigm has been restructured by globalization and digitalization, affecting the way we learn and adjusting language and literacy education. As adult migrants in urban contexts become socialized in learning environments with higher cultural complexity, a dynamic and flexible multiliterate and multilingual learning environment is needed in host countries to meet different needs. Of particular interest to the implementation of multimodal literacies is the consideration of recent advances in multilingualism proposed by the London Group mandate, which merges multilingualism and literacy. The aim of this study was to empirically investigate the interrelation of multiliteracy and multilingualism by conducting a systematic review that would shed light on how to grant ideology and implementational programs for multilingual language education policy and practice in multiliteracy contexts. The study followed the PRISMA protocol to answer three research questions:

RQ1: Has previous research incorporated multilingualism / plurilingualism into multiliteracy models for studies with adult migrants?
RQ2: What research methods have been used for studies with adult migrants?
RQ3: What is the quality of the research methods?
Our results show that multilingualism is embedded in the various models of multiliteracy. However, the epistemological tradition in the field of multilingualism does not seem to have had a significant impact on the implementation of new educational programs that meet the needs of adult migrants. We also found that quantitative research has rarely been used, and that there is a need to raise quality standards of research in this sub-discipline by reducing bias in the processes of designing, conducting and reporting research.

How to cite. Ávila-López, J., & Rubio Alcalá, FD (2023). Multiliteracies and multilingualism in adult migrants: A systematic review. European Journal of Language Policy, 15(2), 167–189. https://doi.org/10.3828/ejlp.2023.10

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