JOSEPH VIRASSAMY (SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY)

A PLURILINGUAL REFLECTION OF A CANADIAN MAURITIAN TEACHER TEACHING IN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CANADA : PLURILINGUALISM AND TRANSLANGUAGING

This paper explores the complexities of ethnic diversity and power dynamics in Canada and Mauritius, focusing on the experiences of a Canadian-Mauritian teacher in a Canadian elementary school who immigrated to Canada. Both Canada and Mauritius have a complex history of colonization, slavery, and immigration that has led to a diverse and complex ethnic composition. Beginning with a historical overview, it highlights Canada’s Indigenous heritage, European colonization, and the diverse immigrant population, with English and French as the official languages. Similarly, it discusses Mauritius’s history of Dutch, French, and British colonization, and the legacy of African and Indian laborers in shaping its ethnic composition, with de facto English and French as the official languages. The paper also examines how linguistic practices and identity claims intersect within these diverse plurilingual and pluricultural contexts, often leading to tensions and power imbalances. Drawing upon sociolinguistics and literacy studies, it analyzes the power dynamics inherent in linguistic diversity and identity politics. Through the lens of plurilingualism, it focuses on the reflection of a teacher’s navigation of these dynamics in the classroom, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities presented by multicultural education. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a more equitable and inclusive educational environment that embraces linguistic diversity and empowers students from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The presenter, a Canadian teacher and author of the novel “L’Amour,” is also a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University. His research focuses on teachers’ and learners’ linguistic and cultural diversity, valuing their plurilingual skills. Inspired by Blanchet, Moore, Marshall he integrates learners’ languages and cultures into his teaching practices. Passionate about inclusive education, he aims to create an environment where every student feels valued and represented, fostering a rewarding learning experience.