Multilingual Digital Storytelling as a Transformative Approach in ELT: Fostering Global Activist Citizenship and Cross-Cultural Engagement

As global interconnectedness reshapes communication and education, English Language Teaching (ELT) must evolve to foster not only linguistic proficiency but also cross-cultural competence and global citizenship. This paper is based on an ongoing global project “Critical Connections”, hosted in Goldsmiths, University of London, examining multilingual digital storytelling as a transformative pedagogical practice that redefines language learning through creative, technology-enhanced narrative construction. By engaging students in the co-creation of digital stories across languages and cultures, this approach positions ELT as an interactive and socially meaningful process.

Grounded in sociocultural learning theory, translanguaging, and critical pedagogy, this study explores the implementation of multilingual digital storytelling in international ELT contexts, with a particular focus on Taiwanese English classrooms. Through this collaborative and multimodal practice, students integrate text, audio, and visual elements to construct and share narratives that reflect their linguistic and cultural identities. By leveraging digital platforms, learners actively participate in intercultural communication, negotiate meaning across languages, and develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

Findings from this initiative suggest that incorporating multilingual digital storytelling into ELT enhances language acquisition, digital literacy, and student engagement while fostering a strong sense of global citizenship. The study highlights how digital storytelling serves as both a language-learning tool and a medium for self-expression, critical thinking, and cross-cultural dialogue. By embedding digital narratives and multilingual creativity, educators can design more inclusive and empowering learning environments, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.