Image © 2020 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
Used with permission.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Seo-yoon, an early elementary learner in the EAL program, connects both online and in-person within a blended learning model with her multilingual classmates. As she gets ready to write a personal narrative her teacher considers how to help her access the instructions. Using a translation app, her teacher translates the writing prompt to Korean to ensure Seo-yoon understands the task. Seo-yoon then sketches her ideas, labelling the sketches in English, and writing the body of the piece in Korean. Her teacher has the final piece translated into English and scores the work based on content knowledge, rather than English language proficiency.
What is translanguaging?
Translanguaging is the adaptable way in which multilingual people use their languages to communicate. It is the action and practice of using a person’s full linguistic repertoire to construct meaning. Translanguaging acknowledges that languages are interdependent and interchangeable; challenging the antiquated idea that multilingual learners have separate language systems which do not impact each other. This practice supports the intentional use of one language to leverage the acquisition of another language(s).
The use of translanguaging in schools challenges assumptions that are rooted in linguistic inequality and monolingual policies and practices (e.g., English-only policies). Teachers may demonstrate translanguaging pedagogy as instructional strategies for learning, administrators may adhere to this pedagogy to convey a school-wide vision of linguistic inclusion, and multilingual students translanguage to enhance learning.
Why do we use translanguaging strategies?
When we use translanguaging strategies in schools, we communicate support for multilingualism; an asset-based view of the practices of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. When used as a part of instruction, translanguaging conveys the exercise of purposeful planning. When used within assessments, it demonstrates that multilinguals can understand and engage with grade-level content—as they can show their knowledge in their home language.
When a translanguaging pedagogy is adopted in schools, it conveys a belief in developing additive bilingualism/multilingualism, as many of the international schools following the International Baccalaureate programmes strongly support. When content is taught by incorporating the home language as a resource within instruction, students develop both the language of school and their home language, making rigorous content learning achievable. Translanguaging pedagogy highlights the development of multiple languages and shows respect for and attention to multilingual and multicultural identities; when this is accomplished, these beliefs become the norm, not the exception.
Trauma resulting from a post-COVID environment and the isolation of online or blended learning makes it more crucial than ever for teachers to focus on social and emotional learning. The intentional use of the home language in virtual learning lowers the affective filter of multilingual students and makes learning more accessible. To explore more about how to support the social and emotional needs of your multilingual learners, visit the recent Voices from the Field article by Matt Hajdun and Esther Bettney, Build social-emotional support and maintain community.
How might we support a translanguaging pedagogy in our schools?
At the American School of Bombay (ASB), translanguaging beliefs and strategies are embedded throughout the curriculum and the culture. Students are encouraged to use their home language to engage with and process content. For example, in an online Jamboard activity, instructions were provided visually in multiple languages. Through the chat function or virtual breakout rooms, students with the same home language can talk about their ideas in their home language, before sharing with the class in English.
Students in the earlier stages of language development can use their home language during online/in-person assessments. As students submit work in their home language, community interpreters help teachers translate student work. This helps teachers to understand whether or not a student understands grade-level content in any language, not only in English.
ASB models translanguaging in parent outreach, as well. For example, translation is available for both in-person and virtual school presentations to provide access points for multilingual families, as shown in this slideshow. Schoolwide surveys show families are actively engaging with these translanguaging tools.
How might we practice translanguaging strategies to enhance learning?
Resources
A version of this article originally appeared in the WIDA Newsletter.
Alexandra Ritt Gustad is at the American School of Bombay.
Esther Bettney is with the WIDA International Program.
