Bishop's University researcher co-edits new international volume on language and classroom equity
Dr. Sunny Man Chu Lau, a Canada Research Chair at Bishop's University, co-edited a new Bloomsbury volume titled *Translanguaging in Action in English-Medium Classrooms*, which provides educators with research-backed strategies to support multilingual classrooms globally. The book, co-edited with Rutgers University’s Zhongfeng Tian, includes contributions from scholars across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas and aims to reframe diverse student languages as opportunities rather than challenges.
A new academic volume, *Translanguaging in Action in English-Medium Classrooms: A Resource Book for Teachers*, co-edited by Dr. Sunny Man Chu Lau of Bishop’s University and Rutgers University’s Zhongfeng Tian, offers educators practical tools to address the multilingual reality of classrooms worldwide. The book compiles research and teaching strategies from scholars across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, responding to growing global discussions on inclusive language education. Dr. Lau, a Full Professor in Bishop’s School of Education and Canada Research Chair in Integrated Plurilingual Teaching and Learning, contributed two chapters. One, co-authored with a researcher from Brazil’s Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, explores how translanguaging can foster critical literacy through a decolonizing framework. The other, with a consultant from Quebec’s Kativik Ilisarniliriniq School Board, presents a model that integrates students’ home languages and knowledge systems into learning. The volume challenges traditional views of linguistic diversity as a barrier, instead positioning it as a resource. Dr. Julie Desjardins, Dean of Bishop’s School of Education, noted the book’s relevance to daily classroom needs, where students’ multilingual backgrounds are often overlooked. Dr. Lau’s research, funded by SSHRC and FRQSC, also examines collaboration between English and French educators in Quebec’s bilingual context. Published by Bloomsbury, the book is now available and aims to support teachers globally in creating equitable, inclusive learning environments. Bishop’s University, located on Abenaki territory in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, emphasizes research-driven innovation in education. Dr. Lau also serves as an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and The Education University of Hong Kong.
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