Multimodal Composing and Multiple Identity Mediations

Book excerpt: This book examines the experiences of adult ESL (English as a Second Language) learners in New York, paying particular attention to the relationship between their professional identities and multimodal composing practices in English classroom. The author uses an (auto-)ethnographic framework to investigate how previously-constructed identities of a professional nature aided the students in the design of multimodal texts including photographs and written material in English. This small-scale study is contextualised in relation to current research in the fields of multimodality, identity construction and teaching methodology, and the author also draws on Kress' theory of visual semiotics. Finally, the book provides detailed descriptions and suggestions for multimodal lessons which could be delivered in ESL classrooms in other settings, including multimodal roleplays, theatre games, and model discussion questions and answers. This book will be of interest to ESL/EFL and TESOL researchers and practitioners, as well as pre-service teachers and MA TESOL students.