Translanguaging Definition: Empowering EAL Learners

English as an Additional Language (EAL) refers to the practice of teaching English to individuals whose first language is not English. As globalisation fosters multicultural and multilingual communities, schools increasingly encounter learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. One approach that has gained prominence in supporting EAL learners is translanguaging.

This article will delve into the translanguaging and explore how it can be a powerful tool for empowering EAL learners. We will examine translanguaging, provide examples, and discuss its benefits for English language acquisition.

Table Of Contents

What is Translanguaging in EAL?
Examples of Translanguaging Activities
Benefits of Translanguaging for EAL Learners
How is Translanguaging Used for EAL Learners?
Support Multilingual Growth at UNIS Hanoi

What is Translanguaging in EAL?

Translanguaging is a dynamic pedagogical approach where students use multiple languages interchangeably to enhance learning.

Translanguaging for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners involves allowing students to think, process, and respond in their home language while working on academic tasks in English. This method acknowledges the linguistic resources EAL students bring, fostering deeper understanding and participation.

By allowing learners to draw on their entire linguistic repertoire, translanguaging supports their cognitive development and helps bridge the gap between their home language and academic English.

Examples of Translanguaging Activities

Translanguaging encompasses various classroom activities that encourage learners to draw upon their linguistic knowledge and abilities. These activities improve their understanding of English and help them feel more connected to the learning process.

Here are a few examples:

Bilingual and multilingual word lists: Teachers can provide word banks in multiple languages to help EAL learners build their first language and English vocabulary.
Composing written assignments in the first language: Students still developing their English skills can draft their ideas in their first language when tasked with writing assignments. Afterward, they can translate their ideas into English for the final draft.
Conducting research online: Students can use their home language to research topics, allowing them to fully explore ideas in a language they are more comfortable with. Once they understand the concepts, they can express their findings in English.
Participating in group conversations: In collaborative group work, where students share common languages, students can discuss concepts in their first language. It allows students to clarify understanding using their first language while gradually improving their English language skills.

Benefits of Translanguaging for EAL Learners

Understanding translanguaging provides numerous advantages for EAL learners, enhancing their academic progress and personal growth. Below are the key benefits that it brings to the classroom.

Confidence and Involvement

Translanguaging helps students feel more comfortable and validated in the classroom. By recognising their linguistic and cultural backgrounds, students become more confident using their language skills.

Students are encouraged to participate actively in lessons, and their unique contributions are considered assets. This inclusiveness fosters classroom engagement, motivates students to be more involved in learning, and strengthens their self-confidence.

Strengthen Connections

Encouraging translanguaging fosters connections between students, their peers, and their teachers. It normalises language acquisition by allowing learners to interact with classmates with similar linguistic experiences.

Additionally, this approach benefits teachers who may not speak their students’ first languages. Translanguaging creates a classroom environment where everyone contributes to teaching and learning, which helps build a collaborative, supportive learning community.

Acquire New Knowledge

Translanguaging can serve as a bridge for acquiring new knowledge. Students use their home language as a scaffold to comprehend new academic content in English. For example, learners can use familiar vocabulary from their first language to grasp complex English terms.

Moreover, translanguaging allows students to apply knowledge from their first language to learning across different academic subjects, bridging linguistic and cognitive gaps.

Develop Teamwork Skills

Translanguaging promotes teamwork and collaboration among students. Learners can work together in small groups, where those proficient in English can assist less advanced peers.

This peer-assisted learning model improves language skills and teaches students the value of cooperation and collective problem-solving, skills that are essential both inside and outside the classroom.

Foster a Feeling of Inclusion and Togetherness

Translanguaging extends beyond the classroom by actively involving families and the wider community in the language-learning process. By involving family members as “language partners”, teachers can ensure that students receive consistent support at home, strengthening the connection between school and community.

In addition, encouraging students to share their linguistic and cultural experiences promotes inclusion and unity. Engaging with their home language at school and home helps EAL learners feel more connected to their community and reinforces the value of their cultural heritage.

How is Translanguaging Used for EAL Learners?

Teachers employ various strategies to incorporate translanguaging into the classroom to support EAL learners. For example, vocabulary lists in multiple languages can be provided to assist learners with unfamiliar terms. Collaborative translation exercises can also help students grasp new content by comparing language structures across their languages.

Group activities often offer prime opportunities for translanguaging. In some cases, learners may be asked to explain how to express a concept in English in their first language. Through these activities, educators can foster both language development and cognitive engagement.

Teachers must also adopt guiding principles when using translanguaging in the classroom:

Flexibility: Allowing for spontaneous translanguaging within lessons.
Interaction: Encouraging peer-to-peer communication.
Integration: Enriching learning across all the languages that learners speak.

At UNIS Hanoi, we actively use translanguaging as part of our inclusive approach to language learning. Our philosophy focuses on the belief that language is a bridge to understanding and a tool for building connections rather than a barrier.

As stated in this article, by fostering an environment where students are encouraged to use all their languages, we empower them to excel academically and become confident, multilingual communicators.

We ensure that our students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds are respected and celebrated, incorporating translanguaging in various classroom activities. From bilingual word lists to small group discussions, we provide multiple opportunities for students to engage in academic content using their first languages.

Support Multilingual Growth at UNIS Hanoi

At UNIS Hanoi, we believe in nurturing the multilingual potential of every student through translanguaging practices. We are dedicated to fostering confidence, connection, and academic success through a holistic approach to language education that aligns with translanguaging. We invite you to join our vibrant community, where your child’s linguistic and cultural heritage will be valued and celebrated.

Our admissions team is ready to guide you through the process and ensure that your child experiences a smooth transition into our supportive and inclusive environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s multilingual journey!