In this episode of The Multiliterate Mind, hosts Marnina Falk Colman and Dr. Liza Trejo sit down with Dr. Cristina Banfi, professor at the University of Buenos Aires and former Director of Languages in Education for the Ministry of Education in Buenos Aires, for a truly global conversation about language learning, literacy, and communication in today’s interconnected world.
This conversation explores the future of language learning, multiliteracies, bilingual education, and global communication in an AI-driven world. Dr. Banfi shares her international perspective on how language education has changed over time, from traditional grammar-based instruction to digital learning, gaming, social media, online communities, AI translation tools, and multilingual communication.
The episode also examines English as a global language, the importance of heritage languages, dual language immersion, and how students today communicate across platforms using text, video, emojis, memes, and digital spaces. Dr. Banfi explains why educators must meet students where they are while helping them expand their literacy, communication skills, and cultural understanding.
Listeners will also hear insights on AI in language education, translation tools, language policy, international education, and why learning an additional language helps build empathy, perspective, and human connection.