Bridging worlds: Using multilingual poetry to explore language and identity

Bridging worlds: Using multilingual poetry to explore language and identity This talk demonstrates how multilingual poetry can transform language learning into an exploration of identity, belonging, and migration. Drawing on Rudine Sims Bishop's "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" framework, the session positions poetry as a tool for affirming students' linguistic heritage. Attendees will see classroom-ready activities celebrating linguistic diversity—including the Untranslatable Word Gallery, Language Soundtrack, and Identity Suitcase—and scaffolded creative writing tasks aimed at teenagers. Featuring poets who write between languages (Ocean Vuong, Gloria Anzaldúa, Warsan Shire), the session offers practical activity ideas, inclusive assessment strategies, and a framework for welcoming students' full linguistic selves. Speaker: Annie Altamirano Annie Altamirano is a teacher, materials writer and international trainer with wide experience supporting educators and learners worldwide. She delivers workshops for major organisations and has written ELT resources for leading publishers. Her key interests include formative assessment, differentiated instruction, and using literature to foster creativity and values.