Emilia Djonov

Emilia Djonov is an Associate Professor in the Macquarie School of Education at Macquarie University, with affiliations to the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre and The Centre for Research in Early Childhood Education (CRECE). Her research focuses on multimodal communication, early childhood literacy, and the role of technology in education. She leads major projects like Language for Learning - MQ TaLK and MQ Toddler TaLK, investigating language environments and learning-oriented talk in early childhood settings.

Her teaching expertise spans undergraduate and postgraduate courses in language and literacy, emphasizing innovative digital technologies and reflective learning. She serves as an Associate Editor for Linguistics and Education and editorial board member for journals like Multimodal Communication and Journal of Early Childhood Literacy.

Research interests include multimodality, social semiotics, and multilingualism, with a focus on how modes (language, visuals, gestures) and technologies shape learning. Key areas of study involve children’s literacy development, digital tools in education, and cross-cultural language experiences.

Emilia supervises numerous PhD and Master’s students, guiding projects on topics like multilingual toys, EFL apps, and heritage language maintenance. She has completed over a dozen research projects, including analyses of EFL textbooks and digital documentation apps in early childhood education.

• Key Projects: MQ TaLK (ARC Discovery, 2018–2023), MQ Toddler TaLK (NSW Department of Education, 2021–2023)
• Editorial Roles: Associate Editor, Linguistics and Education; Editorial Board Member, Multimodal Communication, Multimodality & Society, and Journal of Early Childhood Literacy
• Labs/Teams: CRECE, Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre