Talking About Global Migration ─ Implications for Language Teaching

How do migrants describe themselves and their experiences? As the world faces a migration crisis, there is an enhanced need for educational responses to the linguistic and cultural diversity of student bodies, and for consideration of migrant students at all levels of the curriculum. This book explores the stories of over 70 migrants from 41 countries around the world and examines the language they use when talking about their move to a new country and their experiences there. The book interprets common themes from the stories using metaphor and metonymy analysis to lead to more nuanced understandings of migration that have implications for language teachers. The stories also dispel many stereotypes relating to migration, serving as a reminder to us all to consider our own language when talking about this complex subject.

Theresa Catalano is Assistant Professor of Second Language Education/Applied Linguistics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. Theresa is also co-director of MALta, a dual certification program in secondary world languages and English Language Learner K-12 certification plus Master’s degree. She has published in a wide range of journals in the field including theJournal of Language, Identity and Education, the Journal of Latinos and Education,Teaching and Teacher Education and Critical Discourse Studies.