ERIC Number: EJ983891
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-4805
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Available Date: N/A
Opportunities and Constraints with Ethnography in Examining the Home Literacy Experiences of English Language Learners
Shi, Zihan
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, v58 n2 p232-245 Sum 2012
This paper is intended for researchers considering using ethnography as a methodology to investigate home literacy experiences of children learning English as a Second Language (ESL). After briefly setting ethnographic study in the context of English language learners' home literacy practices, I identify five opportunities and five potential constraints using examples from current literature in the research field. The five opportunities include (a) examination of a cultural group, (b) extensive time in the field, (c) multiple sources of data collection, (d) context or setting of the study, and (e) researcher reflexivity. The five constraints include (a) identification of a culture-sharing group, (b) extensive time in the field, (c) prior relationships with participants, (d) communication with immigrant families, and (e) translation issues. I present these so that researchers can understand more readily the opportunities and challenges they may face in exploring the home literacy experiences of immigrant children through ethnography.
Descriptors: Immigrants, Ethnography, Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), Researchers, Emergent Literacy, Family Environment, Data Collection, Interpersonal Relationship, Translation, Intercultural Communication, Children
University of Alberta, Faculty of Education. 845 Education Centre South, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada. Tel: 780-492-7941; Fax: 780-492-0236; Web site: http://ajer.synergiesprairies.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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