Translanguaging – a way to promote Linguistic Diversity
With International Mother Languages Day approaching I thought it would be important to talk about Translanguaging! “Translanguaging is the process of using all our linguistic resources to understand and communicate… include using words or phrases in different languages, alongside English to communicate” (ETFO Poster, 2023). This is an especially fantastic strategy for MLL who are in the beginning STEPS of acquiring the English language. As MLLs move along the STEPS, educators are encouraged to facilitate opportunities for MLLs to use their first language as a way to maintain home language.
Translanguaging is a way to invite the use of all languages in the classroom with purpose. As a culturally responsive practice, it values language as an asset, affirms student identities and provides an opportunity for the ongoing development of a first language.
Translanguaging is a way to dismantle the idea of English over other languages, and honours the language diversity in today’s classrooms.
Ways to support translanguaging:
- Have students brainstorm, organize and outline their ideas in their first language before they describe them in English
- Provide multiple opportunities to practice to practice first language (L1) by pairing with peers who also speak the first language
- Co-create multilingual vocabulary cards
- Co-create success criteria that outlines the way other languages can be used to meet learning goals
- Allow students to demonstrate their learning with L1
- Provide dual languages texts (virtual or physical)
- Leverage Translation Tools: Google Read & Write, Google Translate are fantastic tools that allow students to access materials and respond in L1
Want to learn more? Check out this ETFO Translanguaging resource featured in Voice magazine ~ Fall 2023.
