In this talk, I explore how fandom culture, fan translation, and memes transform language education. Drawing on insights from the New Literacy Studies and the concept of affinity identity, I examine how practices like fansubbing, scanlation, and fanfiction found in digital affinity spaces empower learners to learn and use languages, negotiate meaning, co-construct knowledge, and shape their identities.

I will demonstrate how community-driven fan translation offers a dynamic space for plurilingual and intercultural literacy, promoting self-directed learning, peer feedback, and creative problem-solving with digital tools. I also highlight the educational power of memes—drawing on my “Story by Memes” project—to foster reflective and creative language use in the language teacher training classroom.

By the end of the talk, you’ll walk away with preliminary, practical ideas for integrating fan practices like fan translation and meme creation into your language teaching, blending formal and informal learning to create engaging, digitally informed environments.