GIF the Portrait, A Collaborative Contribution, ELL101, Spring 2019
About the Project:
Faculty Instructor: Inés Vañó García
Teaching Artist: Ryan Seslow
ELL 101, Introduction to Language
LaGuardia Community College
ELL 101, Introduction to Language students from LaGuardia Community College submitted a wonderful array of works in the Linguistic Landscapes project, which is also a cog in the Pressing Public Issue project
For the purpose of this project, we stressed how our languages and language practices influence the way we interact with people and how language(s) relates to our role in society. Considering the symbolic construction of the public sphere in NYC, we explored and examined the linguistic landscape of Jackson Heights, in Queens. This approximation aimed to explore the linguistic diversity of the area in context: from a visual/written perspective (public road signs, advertising billboards, street names, place names, commercial shop signs, among other public signs) as well as from a speaking/aural one (interviews, music, background conversations). As a community, we were critical researchers and creators of a digital storytelling that investigated the multilingual and multi-literate sociolinguistic ecology of Queens.
Following this digital storytelling methodology, students discovered and learned about the linguistic diversity in Jackson Heights and how languages shape this public sphere. This project allowed students to investigate different forms and shapes of literacy and to analyze the multilingual and multi-literate sociolinguistic ecology of the neighborhood. Based on our readings, discussions and inquiry, we found an analysis of language ideologies that precipitates the understanding of the power relations between individuals, groups and communities.
“This final project had the potential to have a temporary physical exhibition at the James Gallery as well as a permanent online presence.”
We are proud to share our outcomes here on the Net Art Website!
