Pluriculturalism and Plurilingualism in English for Academic Purposes

Abstract

With global advancements in multilingual and multicultural education, a consideration of context is essential. This chapter explores the particular context of English for academic purposes (EAP) instruction in higher education institutions in Canada. Through a series of anecdotal vignettes from Canadian EAP classrooms, the authors outline several institutional, methodological, and sociocultural challenges, including English-only policies, the hidden curriculum, and cultural stereotyping. Drawing on challenges to inform opportunities, the authors then propose institutional practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion; methodological choices that incorporate universal design for learning; and sociocultural applications of plurilingual and pluricultural teaching approaches. These opportunities are paired with suggestions for classroom activities which can inform critical talks, texts, and tasks in diverse EAP contexts.