By Arabella Balderama and Glaiza Salanio

Selected Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) grade 11 students participated in the International Hybrid Conference on Diversity and Inclusivity in English Language Education (DIELE) hosted by Soka University, Tokyo, Japan last May 11 to 12.

The first group of delegates were Kristel Mae Hilario, Maria Micaela Rojas, Antonio Miguel Inigo Espaldon, Sir Kevin Sansolis Revilla, and Paul Matthew Villarta from 11-De Brito, with their research entitled “Bridging Language Gaps: Translanguaging and Language Education for Empowering Sanitation Workers in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the team of Prinz Danrian Joshua Dimalanta, Santiago Andres Avila, Alena Feliz Bartolome, Elizabeth Marie Borres, Augusto Antonio Nestor Mathay, Lilan Sebastian Unigo, Ysabella Dominique Fulloso, Maria Sophia De La Torre, and Chelsea Heart Toledo from 11-Garnet was the second group, presenting their study “Translanguaging in Philippine Commerce and Industry: Toward a Pedagogical Reflection of Translanguaging Practices from a Non-Academic Perspective.”

Lastly, the third group was composed of Aidyn Grey Monteras, Antonio Juan Umali, Aliyah Coreen Pelayo, Ana Daniella German, Jayden James Baque, and Ryanna Skye Cabrera from 11-De Brito, proposing their research entitled “The Politics of Translanguaging: Effectiveness of Translanguaging in Political Communication.”

They were all coached by Ms. Princess Calacala, a Filipino teacher from the ASHS, and Mr. Jan Marvin Goh, a teacher from the University of Santo Tomas.

“My overall experience during the research congress was both challenging and rewarding. I am quite passionate about the topic of translanguaging in governance, so the conference provided me with an invaluable opportunity to delve deeply into it with other like-minded peers,” Andie German, one of the delegates expressed.

“Engaging with the diverse perspectives of the panelists and experts also broadened my understanding and appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity, making my group mates and I more empathetic and culturally sensitive,” she added.

Towards inclusive education

The 2024 DIELE International Hybrid Conference aimed to focus on inclusivity in English language education to create equity among students “regardless of the challenges they may experience.” 

According to the host organization, DIELE is “an excellent opportunity for discussing key issues and current trends in promoting inclusive education in classrooms where English is taught as a foreign, second, additional or international language.”

It is an event that brought together diverse audiences from the academe, including students, teacher-researchers, and teacher-educators.

Policy makers and material producers who promote and implement theory, research, and practice to make English language education more appealing, successful, inclusive, and innovative, were also present at the conference.

Overall, DIELE sought to enhance understanding of diversity and inclusivity in English language education while pushing for the development of more innovative practices, interdisciplinary research, and improvement of current curricula.

Thumbnail from Mrs. Bilog and Ms. Calacala