Upcoming Event

Please join the School of Linguistics and Language Studies for a Speaker Series event featuring Dr. Edgar Bernad-Mechó (Universitat Jaume I).

Exploring Multimodality in Educational Contexts:
Theory, Applications, and Tools

In this lecture, we delve into the concept of multimodality as a dynamic field of study, exploring its intersection in academic and educational contexts. We begin by offering an initial description of what multimodality is and the types of modes that may be used in communication. We also briefly reflect on various theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches including Multimodal Social Semiotics (MSS), Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), and Multimodal Interaction Analysis (MIA), illuminating their distinct lenses for understanding multimodal communication.

Our discussion extends to the application of multimodality in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) studies. We also reflect on digital communication and the possibilities afforded by multimodal analyses of digital genres. In particular, we present key findings derived from multimodal studies conducted within the research group GRAPE (Group for Research on Academic and Professional English) at Universitat Jaume I, highlighting how they enhance our understanding of communication practices in educational and digital settings.

Next, we introduce GRAPE-MARS (Multimodal Analysis Research Software), a powerful multimodal annotation software which facilitates the extraction of quantitative and representational data from multimodal videos, thereby enabling nuanced analyses of communicative practices. Moreover, we explore the applications of GRAPE-MARS in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), pointing to its efficacy in fostering multimodal literacy among language learners. In this regard, we underscore the imperative to heighten awareness of the multimodal nature of language and advocate for the cultivation of multimodal literacy among learners and educators. Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, we emphasize the need for pedagogical interventions that integrate multimodal approaches into language teaching and learning.

In essence, this talk offers a general overview of the field of multimodality, showcasing its relevance and applications within academic and educational settings. By doing so, we aim to establish a pathway towards fostering multimodal literacy in teaching and learning practices, and open up a discussion as to how to integrate innovative research on multimodality into higher education classrooms.

Dr. Edgar Bernad-Mechó (Associate Professor at Universitat Jaume I, Spain) specializes in the use of metadiscourse and multimodality in academic contexts and for science dissemination. He has published papers in journals like the Journal of English for Academic Purposes and Discourse Studies, and co-edited a special issue on multimodality for Ibérica. He has also recently co-authored an edited volume for Routledge exploring the intersection between multimodality and English Medium Instruction. His latest studies look at the modal density and coherence of YouTube videos for science dissemination as well as the use of humor and other engagement strategies in science communication online.