‘Problematizing’ in Language,Reading and Culture (LRC): reflections on discursive thought journeys in anthropology and education with Luis Moll / ‘Problematizando’ en Lengua,Lectura y Cultura (LRC): reflexiones sobre mis viajes con Luis Moll hacia el pensamiento y el debate sobre antropología y educación

Abstract

I write this essay as a close longtime colleague and friend of Luis Moll. I write as an anthropologist who shared his focus on, and the scholarly promotion of, a cultural perspective, ethnographic methods, community engagement and social justice goals. Known primarily as a leading educational psychologist with expertise in child development, bilingualism and biliteracy, Luis also made significant contributions to the field of educational anthropology. In 2016 he was recognized by the Council on Anthropology and Education with the George and Louise Spindler Award for ‘distinguished and inspirational’ lifetime achievements in anthropology and education. For two decades, as colleagues in the unique interdisciplinary but now defunct Department of Language, Reading and Culture (LRC), we worked side by side in our thought journeys in the overlapping fields of anthropology, linguistics, psychology, literacy studies and education. This discussion will detail my experiences with Luis — sharing different perspectives and ideas, learning from one another and socializing new scholars into the profession.