How do you design and evaluate multilingual and multimodal texts and materials?

1 What are multilingual and multimodal texts and materials?

Multilingual and multimodal texts and materials are those that use more than one language and more than one mode of communication, such as text, image, sound, video, or gesture. For example, a multilingual and multimodal text could be a website that offers information in different languages and uses graphics, audio, and video to convey its message. A multilingual and multimodal material could be a textbook that teaches a foreign language and culture through texts, images, audio clips, and interactive activities.

2 Why are multilingual and multimodal texts and materials important?

Multilingual and multimodal texts and materials are important for several reasons. First, they can enhance communication and understanding across linguistic and cultural boundaries, as they can appeal to different preferences, needs, and backgrounds of the users or learners. Second, they can foster linguistic and cultural diversity and awareness, as they can expose the users or learners to different languages and modes of expression. Third, they can promote cognitive and creative skills, as they can stimulate the users or learners to process and produce information in multiple ways.

3 How do you design multilingual and multimodal texts and materials?

Designing multilingual and multimodal texts and materials requires following some general principles. Consider the purpose, audience, and context of the text or material. Ask yourself: What is the goal, message, and tone? Who are the intended users or learners, and what are their characteristics, expectations, and needs? What is the situation, setting, and medium of the text or material? Select the languages and modes that best suit the purpose, audience, and context. Ensure clarity, coherence, and consistency of the text or material. Balance the linguistic and cultural similarities and differences among the languages and modes. Apply usability principles to make it easy to use, understand, and navigate. Make it inclusive for users or learners with different abilities, preferences, and devices. Make it attractive, engaging, and appealing to users or learners.

4 How do you evaluate multilingual and multimodal texts and materials?

To evaluate multilingual and multimodal texts and materials, you should use some appropriate methods. During the design process, you should conduct a formative evaluation by testing the text or material with a sample of users or learners and collecting their feedback. This feedback can then be used to improve the text or material. After the design process, you should conduct a summative evaluation to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of the text or material with a larger group of users or learners. Additionally, you should conduct a comparative evaluation with other texts or materials to compare the strengths, weaknesses, and differences. This data can then be used to benchmark and position the text or material.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?