Significance of Multimodality in Literacy Development in ESL Context

Shaily Parihar, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to emphasize the significance of literacy practices among ESL students in order promote critical thinking which will consequently improve students’ writing. Seeing writing as a tool for representation of ideas and thoughts in a socio-literate society, I promote a multimodal perspective towards writing. If writing is meaning making, paying attention to how is made is essential for successful writing. It is true that interest in social and cultural of language learning has gained more prominence since 1980s and a shift from traditional skill based learning to sociolinguistic and critical literacy is seen, but there is not enough importance given to critical literacy practices along with persuasive use of the language in second language acquisition studies. I argue that a socio semiotic approach to learning brings greater awareness of how meaning is made and expands the awareness of choices that students have to make their own meaning in writing. I propose a curriculum that focuses on expanding the cultural horizons of students through an understanding of Surrealist Art movement from semiotic perspective.

Degree

M.A.

Advisors

Berns, Purdue University.

Subject Area

English as a Second Language|Reading instruction

COinS