About Us
A group of emergent and established scholars who explore the intersections of linguistic and cultural diversity, literacy learning, and social and educational participation for youth and adults.
The Transliteracies Research Lab is a vibrant intellectual home within the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. Under the directorship of Dr. Rahat Zaidi, we bring together a collaborative team of established and emerging scholars dedicated to understanding literacy in a complex, multilingual world.
Our research examines how increasingly diverse populations around the world navigate schools and communities across urban and rural contexts. We investigate the dynamics of mobility, multilingualism, and multimodal literacies—exploring how communication shapes, and is shaped by, culture and identity.
Through an interdisciplinary lens and a steadfast commitment to social justice, our work challenges systemic barriers such as racism and educational inequity. We aim not only to understand these challenges but to actively address them, preparing youth and adults with the critical skills and mindsets to thrive socially, culturally, and economically.
By centering inclusive and transformative literacy practices, we generate evidence-based insights that inform educators, policymakers, and community leaders, ultimately working to strengthen the fabric of a more equitable multicultural society.
A future where literacy practices are universally inclusive and transformative, enabling every individual to participate fully, celebrate their linguistic and cultural heritage, and shape a more just and equitable society.
Our mission is to advance knowledge of transliteracies through rigorous, community-engaged research. We are committed to:
- Investigating the complex interplay of language, culture, and power in educational and community settings.
- Empowering educators with practical strategies for inclusive and multimodal teaching.
- Influencing policy and public discourse to dismantle systemic barriers and promote educational justice.
- Fostering a collaborative and supportive training environment for the next generation of scholars and change-makers.
The Transliteracies Research Lab was founded in 2023 on the principle that literacy is a fundamental human right and a key lever for social change. From our beginnings, we have been driven by a simple, powerful question: How do we create learning environments where every voice is heard and valued?
Guided by this question, our team has grown into a dynamic collective of researchers, students, and community partners. Together, we have embarked on numerous projects—from exploring digital storytelling in multilingual classrooms to examining the policies that impact refugee and immigrant youth. Our story is one of continuous growth, collaboration, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education to build a better world. We are just getting started.