Fenkata immużikata

Abstract

Overview: The research-based publication, Fenkata Immużikata, represents a significant contribution to the field of multimodal discourse analysis. This event is grounded in the innovative pedagogical framework which characterises the outcomes of the Multimodality in Practice research project launched by the author himself in 2012. This initiative involved primary and secondary school students in the adaptation based on their original and creative interpretations of Trevor Zahra’s 1980s traditional text, Il-Ktieb tal-fenek l-aħmar (The Book of the Red Rabbit). The main aim of the project is to obtain insights through which as educators we can explore how contemporary learners perceive and relate to classic literature.

Theoretical Framework: This research is rooted in multimodal discourse analysis. This predominantly focuses on the interplay of various communicative modes beyond traditional text. The latter include body language, gaze, gestures, and movement (Jewitt , 2008). Such an approach aligns with the work of prominent scholars in the field, particularly with the ideas of Kress (2010), who directs researchers to acknowledge the importance of recognizing and analyzing the so-called ‘overlooked modes’ in educational contexts.

Research aims: The research project (and publication) pursued the following research aims:

1. Working with primary and secondary school students to evaluate and give feedback about a traditional story book written in the 80s;

2. Giving students voice to critically share insights and proposals about modes they would add to make a traditional book more to their liking;

3. Formulating a set of pedagogical suggestions for teaching reading.