Teaching Linguistic Justice through Augmented Reality

TL;DR

This paper introduces the AR Language Map, an augmented reality tool designed to teach middle and high school students about linguistic justice by enabling interactive mapping of their linguistic experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.

Contribution

It presents a novel AR-based educational artifact that engages students in exploring linguistic justice through culturally relevant, interactive activities.

Findings

Enhances understanding of linguistic justice among students

Fosters empathy and challenges linguistic racism

Encourages students to co-create their learning experiences

Abstract

This position paper presents the AR Language Map, a speculative artifact designed to enhance understanding of linguistic justice among middle and high school students through augmented reality (AR) that allows students to map their linguistic experiences. Through a social justice-oriented academic outreach program aimed at linguistically, economically, and racially minoritized students, academic concepts on language, culture, race, and power are introduced to California middle school and high school students. The curriculum has activities for each lesson plan drawn from students' culturally relevant experiences. By enabling interactive exploration of linguistic justice, this tool aims to foster empathy, challenge linguistic racism, and valorize linguistic diversity. We discuss its conceptualization within the broader context of AR in social justice education. The AR Language Map not only deepens students' understanding of these critical issues but also enables them to become co-creators of their learning experiences.