Translanguaging
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Introduction
Welcome to Module 4!
In this module, we’ll focus on translanguaging and the use of student’s native tongue (their L1) or shared national language in EMI and EAP lessons. In the context of EMI and EAP lessons, translanguaging refers to languages apart from English being used in the classroom to facilitate learning. For example, allowing students to make use of their L1 or a shared national language, such as Indonesian, or you as a lecturer using one of those languages either during lessons or in the lesson materials.
Completing this module will help you to:
- develop a deeper understanding of the principles of translanguaging.
- enhance your knowledge of language policy in Indonesian EMI and EAP contexts.
- gain insights into common translanguaging practices in those contexts.
- critically reflect on attitudes and assumptions related to use of student’s L1 or shared national language in EMI and EAP classrooms.
- make principled decisions when evaluating which translanguaging practices could be most appropriate for your own specific teaching context.
During the module you will hear from:
Dr Kari Sahan from the University of Reading, the UK, who will:
- discuss common assumptions about the use of students’ L1 in the EMI/EAP classroom and attitudes towards its use.
- explain some of the key concepts surrounding theories of translanguage and its practice.
Dr. Nizamuddin Sadiq from Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia, who will:
- discuss the multilingual nature of Indonesian students and the issues surrounding monolingual language teaching policies.
- explain the realities of EMI/EAP instruction in Indonesia and the benefits translanguaging can bring to student learning.
A selection of Indonesian lecturers and students who will:
- express their opinions and experiences of the use of a student L1 or shared national language in EMI/EAP classrooms.
Glossary of key terms
Before continuing with the module, you may find it useful to familiarise yourself with the following key terms (NB: we can only complete these after all key input available):
| Translanguaging | ‘is the action of moving across or through languages in communication. .. translanguaging is a practice, process, and act. They tell us that it is dynamic, it integrates different languages, and it maximizes communicative potential.’ (Sahan, Lecture). Using all your language(s) and resources to communicate. |
| Code Switching | switching between 2 (or more) languages during communication. |
| Immersion Environments | for example an immersion school, where all the learning/teaching is in another language |
| L1, L2 | L1 the speaker’s first lanaguge, L2 the second language |
| Affective Filter | a lower affective filter will mean students are more relaxed; the affective filer can be described as a type of barrier (if it is high) that can affect learning or attitudes to learning |
| Pedagogical Practices | approaches to teaching and learning |
We hope you enjoy the module!
Module content
Discussion forum
Share your view and experience in the M04: Translanguaging discussion forum. Feel free to engage with responses from other learners.
Find the M04: Translanguaging topic below, or view our full Translanguaging discussion forum for more.