Silences in growing up bi/multilingual in multicultural globalised societies: Educators’, families’ and children’s views of negotiating languages, identity and difference in childhood

This chapter develops understandings of bi/multilingual children’s and families’ experiences of growing up bi/multilingual, identity negotiation and hybrid cultural practices. It highlights the ways in which children’s bi/multilingual identities are closely linked to their use of languages in everyday life, within contexts of diversity, difference and marginalisation. This chapter supports educators to engage with colleagues and families about the importance of bi/multilingualism and the new potentialities of multiple identity negotiation of cultural and linguistic practices across family, community and educational settings.