Conférence en plénière (9 h 20 – 10 h 10)
Lieu : Salle B-253
Dr. Amir Kalan, Université VRƵ
Écrire mon histoire dans votre langue : revendiquer la souveraineté narrative en langue seconde
Title: “Writing My Story in Your Language: Claiming Narrative Sovereignty in Second Language Writing”
Abstract:
This presentation explores the concept of “narrative sovereignty” in second language writing, drawing on insights from a research project examining how Indigenous youth in Montreal use screenplay writing to assert control over their narratives within the historically non-Indigenous medium of film. Their experiences offer lessons for second language writers seeking to reclaim their voices in languages not originally their own. Based on findings from this project, Dr. Kalan proposes a framework for second-language writing instruction that fosters narrative sovereignty. This framework emphasizes flexibility in content production by allowing students to explore themes that reflect their lives while engaging with pluri-rhetorical performances and translingual practices that reflect their multilingual realities.
More importantly, the framework highlights the development of what Dr. Kalan terms “post-writing pedagogies,” which include: Building canons that reflect diverse narratives; Creating supportive writing communities that nurture the writing process; Encouraging writing for authentic audiences to enhance engagement and purpose; And promoting community publishing to ensure students’ voices extend beyond the classroom.
This presentation underscores the significance of post-writing pedagogies by asking: What happens to a text after it is written, particularly when it carries personal themes of immigration, identity, and belonging? In an era where AI facilitates textual production, teachers’ attention needs to shift to the purpose and impact of student writing. This presentation advocates a shift from the traditional focus of second language writing on “how a text should be formalistically constructed” to “what writing can achieve” as a medium for authentic expression, experimentation, identity negotiation, civic dialogue, and social impact.
