Fostering Intercultural Competence through Picturebooks: Exploring narratives of Immigration and Identity and their potential to invite Perspective-taking

Abstract

The primary focus of this master thesis is to explore of the narratives of identity in three selected immigration-themed picturebooks: The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil and Semirdzhyan, The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi and The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman and Karin Littlewood. The thesis seeks to assess whether the portrayal of the newcomer immigrants can invite perspective-taking in the English subject. A qualitative narrative analysis was applied. Findings were viewed in the light of theories about identity, representation, and perspective-taking. Findings of this study suggests that the picturebooks have potential to invite perspective-taking in the English subject. They all provide opportunities for readers to learn about the complex relationship between culture, identity, and immigration. These topics are crucial to address to create inclusive and respectful classroom environments where diversity is embraced and viewed as a resource. As English is a subject focused on culture, language and communication, the topics could be seen as particularly suited to address in English language teaching. Keywords: Picturebooks, intercultural competence, perspective-taking, identity, representation, immigration, narrative analysis