The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Rahat Zaidi as the new Mobility Research Chair in Bilingualism. As an award-winning Werklund Research Professor at the University of Calgary, Professor Zaidi leverages her diverse background and extensive academic qualifications to explore connections between language, culture and identity. Educated at the Sorbonne and fluent in French, Rahat Zaidi brings a unique perspective to her work, which is informed by experiences in South Asia, Europe, and both Francophone and Anglophone Canada.
Professor Zaidi’s research highlights the power of diversity in advancing social justice, equity and inclusion, particularly within immigrant and transcultural contexts. Her work addresses the urgent need for more inclusive literacy and language learning in Canada’s multilingual, multi-ethnic classrooms, which have been significantly affected by the global refugee crises.
Her efforts have led to province-wide recommendations to better support refugee and immigrant families navigating the education system. Through her latest literary works, including Transcultural Pedagogies for Multilingual Classrooms: Responding to Changing Realities in Theory & Practice & Literacy Lives in Transcultural Times, Professor Zaidi continues to influence educational practices and policies.
Recognized by the City of Calgary, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and the American Education Researchers Association, Professor Zaidi’s commitment to community and innovation in education stands as a testament to her impactful work.
Building plurilingual bridges: advancing bilingualism through critically engaged language and literacy workshops (CELLWs)
Professor Zaidi’s innovative study aligns with one of the OLBI’s missions, namely to address the challenges posed by shifting global demographics. These challenges include barriers to language learning and cultural dissonance, often exacerbated by the sociopolitical complexities of immigration. By addressing these issues, the study contributes to innovative research on bilingualism and second-language learning.
A Two-Fold Plan for advancing bilingualism
The research plan is designed to support CCERBAL’s mission to explore bilingualism with a focus on family language policy. This policy aims to preserve the plurilingualism of newcomer families through Critically Engaged Language and Literacy Workshops (CELLWs). The study also includes a comprehensive knowledge mobilization plan that involves community engagement and cross-sector partnerships.
Enhancing language and literacy education
Another key objective of the research is to enhance language and literacy education by collaborating with CCERBAL and educational organizations. The findings will inform policies, practices, and new research on language learning among newcomer families as they navigate their new lives in Canada.
Transformative learning through CELLWs
CELLWs offer participants the chance to see themselves in various community spaces, such as classrooms, schools, neighborhoods and cities. These workshops encourage reflection on the relational dynamics within these spaces and on their multilingual identities. By creating a transformative language learning environment, CELLWs allow participants to embrace their plurilingualism. They also address crucial issues such as equity, racism, and inclusion, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Innovative methodologies
The methodology of the study includes several innovative approaches, such as walking narratives, film forums, storytelling, and arts-based methods. The research is further enhanced by the use of generative artificial intelligence to provide new insights and avenues for exploring language and identity.
Professor Zaidi’s research not only advances academic knowledge, but also has practical implications for policy and practice. By fostering a supportive environment for language learning and cultural integration, this research helps build a more inclusive and plurilingual future for newcomer families in Canada.