scholarly journals Translanguaging-as-Resource: University ESL Instructors’ Language Orientations and Attitudes Toward Translanguaging

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-47
Author(s):  
Jennifer Burton ◽  
Shakina Rajendram

This article explores university English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors’ attitudes toward translanguaging in the classroom and possible reasons for instructors’ resistance in moving translanguaging ideology into English language teaching pedagogy. Many researchers have forwarded translanguaging as a theoretical and pedagogical approach to language education because of its potential cognitive, social, and affective benefits. A translanguaging pedagogy calls for instructors to affirm the dynamic and diverse language practices that multilingual students utilize as part of their unitary language repertoire. However, because English-only pedagogies, policies, and practices still permeate the ESL classroom, it is critical to understand how ESL instructors’ language ideologies and orientations play a role in shaping their pedagogical practices and classroom language policies. Using Ruíz’s orientations in language planning and translanguaging theory, this study examined the language orientations of five ESL instructors at a major Canadian university based on qualitative data gathered through semistructured interviews. The findings provide insights into instructors’ attitudes toward translanguaging, the relationship between instructors’ language learning experiences and their classroom language policy, and institutional opportunities and constraints. Le présent article explore les attitudes des professeurs d’anglais langue seconde (ESL) au niveau universitaire face au translangagisme en salle de classe ainsi que les raisons possibles de leur résistance à l’introduction de l’idéologie translangagière dans la pédagogie de l’enseignement de l’anglais. De nombreux travaux de recherche renvoient au translangagisme comme démarche théorique et pédagogique d’enseignement des langues en raison de ses avantages cognitifs, sociaux et affectifs. La pédagogie translangagière invite les professeurs à soutenir le dynamisme et la diversité des pratiques langagières que les étudiantes et étudiants multilingues utilisent déjà dans le cadre de leur répertoire linguistique unitaire. Toutefois, puisque l’enseignement de l’anglais langue seconde en classe reste imprégné de pédagogies, de politiques, et de pratiques exclusivement anglophones, il est essentiel de comprendre le rôle que jouent les idéologies et les orientations des professeurs d’anglais langue seconde dans la formation de leurs pratiques pédagogiques et de leurs politiques d’enseignement en classe. S’inspirant des orientations de Ruíz en matière de planification langagière et de théorie translangagière, la présente étude examine les orientations linguistiques de cinq professeures et professeurs d’anglais langue seconde dans une grande université canadienne à l’aide de données qualitatives recueillies dans le cadre d’entrevues semi-structurées. Les conclusions de l’enquête aident à mieux comprendre les attitudes des professeurs face au translangagisme, la relation entre les expériences d’apprentissage langagier des professeurs, et leur politique langagière en classe ainsi que les possibilités et les contraintes institutionnelles.

RELC Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 003368822093922
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Fan Fang

This article explores the recent development of translanguaging from the perspective of multilingualism. This is in light of the multilingual turn in the field of foreign language teaching, particularly English language teaching (ELT), which challenges the fixed and traditional monolingual framework for foreign language education. In particular, this article reviews stakeholders’ attitudes towards the implementation of translanguaging in foreign language classroom settings. It is found that stakeholders generally hold positive attitudes towards translanguaging practices in various ELT contexts. This review highlights the importance of re-examining the significance of translanguaging in ELT practices, for example, by challenging the monolingual English-only language policy and recognizing students’ first language as a linguistic resource to facilitate language learning in both English language and content learning. The article concludes by offering some practical pedagogical implications for both policy makers and language practitioners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-193
Author(s):  
Huma Hyder

Progressive Globalization established the necessity of workforce to possess excellent communication skills in multiple languages. Areas such as tourism, trade, media, technology, science, and others use common languages. However, countries like China, South Korea, and so forth discussed the need to teach one foreign language at primary as well as secondary school level and hence developed education policies that focused on teaching English as a foreign language or second language. Some countries like Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and India already have English language as a second official language. Hence, English Language Education was considered as second foreign language which was accepted and now it is considered as a symbol of aspiring quality education in a national as well as international perspective. In 21st century, English is considered as an international link language which is been widely accepted by people across the world. Although, English language has a historical heritage of British Empire, it is best used to develop an individual’s cultural, technological, scientific and material needs that competes with the society. It is believed that language learning is not just acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language learning is also about the language competence and the ways communicative competence has been applied in an integrated manner. English language learning is not just an educational issue, it also addresses the issues of the society, national development, and personal advancement. In the present scenario, English Language acquired an inclusive place in most of the societies, especially in India. As a result, English Medium Schools have gained immense popularity which responds to aspiration of the people. This paper tries to present the significance of English as a Second language. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the significant pedagogies or methodologies used in schools to teach English as English language plays a crucial role in the education sector.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-124
Author(s):  
Andi Muhammad Dakhalan

The emergence of today’s role of English as an international language (EIL) and as a global lingua franca (ELF) makes English language education important in many countries. In Indonesia, for example, it has been growing a number of schools ranging from kindergarten to university level which use English as the medium of instructions.Every subject in school curriculum has different objectives including English subject. But some students donot realize that, learning English is really important in their life. It makes them unmotivated in learning English. Lack of learners’ motivation is believed as one of the primary problems of English language teaching, many of them take it as a difficult lesson to learn. As a result, they skip class, and when they attend the class, it is not because they want to learn English but likely because they fear of failure. Moreover, lots of them may lack of attention during class, chatting with classmates, doodling in their note books or gasp in their textbooks. This present study aims at discovering the factors that influence the students’ achievement in English language learning by using linguistic and Al-Qur’an theory. The conclusion of the study is the factors that influence the students’ achievement in English language learning are the students’ intelligence, motivation, school facilities, policies of government and the principal, family, and environment


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esim Gursoy ◽  
Sule C. Korkmaz ◽  
Ebru A. Damar

Teaching English to young learners has gained speed in the past twenty years. Many countries in Europe are offering English at the primary level as advised by the EU. The efforts to lower the age for foreign language learning have echoed in countries in Asia as well. Turkey as one of these countries has changed its educational policy in 2012 and launched the new English Language Teaching Program for grades 2-8 in 2013. Along with many changes, the new system offers EFL in the second grade. The present study not only aims to investigate the views of prospective ELT teachers towards this change, but also to compare their views with those of trainers, and English teachers who were investigated in the earlier phases of the study. The results indicate that although all three groups of participants favor an earlier start in foreign language education, there are significant differences between groups in terms of the appropriate starting time and teaching methodologies used. Teachers were indecisive as they favored both the first and second tiers to introduce a foreign language. The results have implications for policy makers, teachers, teacher trainers, and prospective teachers.


IIUC Studies ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 145-156
Author(s):  
Md Maksud Ali

Technology, as everybody will agree, is increasingly getting involved in language education. In teaching English as an International Language (EIL), as a matter of fact, there is an apparent need for integrating technology into English Language Teaching (ELT) education. This need has eventually brought about a new scope for ELT in the form of a new genre: ‘Computer Assisted Language Learning’ (CALL). Following a Mixed Method Approach, this study investigates some of the issues relating to the use of CALL in the Department of English Language and Literature (ELL) at International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC). The findings indicate some barriers that seem to impede the integration and the implementation of CALL in the department.IIUC Studies Vol.10 & 11 December 2014: 145-156


Author(s):  
Hamissou Ousseini

Purpose: This paper presents some empirical insights about the effect of the LMD system (Bologna Process) on practices at an English as a foreign language (EFL) program in a Sub-Saharan African (SSA) country. The study aimed at examining the dominant pedagogical practices and changes caused by the new system. Methodology: Based on a qualitative case study methodology and a theoretical framework that draws from Stenhouse (1967; 1975), classroom observation data, interviews, and documents were collected and analyzed thematically. Results: The analysis has revealed the predominance of lecturing through dictation and practices of summative assessment. These practices are contrary to the principles of the LMD system. This has been interpreted as a resistance from educators to use the new modes of teaching and assessment favored by the socio-constructivist and student-centered approach brought by the LMD system. Practical Implications: Considering the theoretical perspectives underpinning the study, the findings suggest the predominance of practices that are not favorable to English language learning. The study has certain implications for the implementation of LMD, stressing the need to redesign LMD practices based on empirical procedures that strives to understand the foundation of educators’ resistance to change. Originality/Value: The study makes a contribution about the application of Western educational tools to other contexts and raises the need for understanding the contextual teaching cultures prior to reform endeavors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Chantal Hemmi ◽  
Graham Mackenzie ◽  
Katsuya Yokomoto

Welcome colleagues! For the last issue of 2019, we present a very special interview with Professor Henry Widdowson, an acclaimed authority in the field of applied linguistics who has made great contributions to the development of communicative language teaching. In this conversation, Professor Widdowson discusses English Language Learning in Japan in the context of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), English Medium Instruction (EMI), and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). Professor Widdowson is Emeritus Professor at the University of London, was Professor of Applied Linguistics at Essex University and is currently Honorary Professor at the Department of English and American Studies at the University of Vienna. He has published extensively on English language teaching and applied linguistics. Here he was interviewed by Chantal Hemmi, an Associate Professor, Graham Mackenzie, a Project Associate Professor, and Katsuya Yokomoto, a Lecturer at the Center of Language Education and Research at Sophia University.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 709
Author(s):  
Diego P. Ortega Auquilla ◽  
Gerardo E. Heras Urgilès

This article examines the importance of the iPad use and presents numerous useful applications employed in the field of education, especially in the field of English language teaching and learning. This topic is of great importance as educators and students alike, these days, live in the digital era, which entails new technological advances that may positively benefit the instruction of varied school subjects. Additionally, the use of new technologies (e.g., iPad and educational applications) in the classroom setting may motivate and foster the acquisition of necessary twenty-first century abilities among students. With the aim of achieving the aforementioned objectives, first and foremost the role of digital technologies and m-learning in education is analyzed, since these two aspects have a direct relationship with the main topic of this work. In addition, a conceptualization and main characteristics of the iPad are provided. Then the use of this device in different educational settings at the international level is highlighted. Finally, the use of this device as a didactic tool in the language learning classroom is discussed and a selection of meaningful applications for English language teaching and learning is provided. As educators, in the digital era, is our responsibility to remain constantly updated to provide our students with an education aligned with the new technological advancements and, above all, to enrich their learning inside and outside the classroom. Consequently, this will promote a more autonomous and lifelong learning among our language students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Andrew Skourdoumbis ◽  
Ahmad Madkur

English is the most widely taught and learned language in the world. Within the broader literatures on the worldwide spread and dominance of English as a key skill for 21st century education, the use of English(es) and English Language Teaching (ELT) in the context of schooling in Asian countries represent an important research direction. Our paper contributes to these debates by exploring the problem of English language teachers’ beliefs about their pedagogical practices in Indonesian pesantren schools. The system of religious pesantren schools provides a unique research context to examine teacher practice in classrooms where English is not assigned the assumed de facto status of a ‘global lingua franca’. In engaging a Bourdieusian lens, this paper explores teachers’ perceptions of the (lack of) symbolic and linguistic capital of English language learning in pesantren, the emergent tensions, and how these frame teacher beliefs and practice. In so doing, this paper aims to contribute to the broader debates in the field that seek to critically analyse and reframe the hegemonic status of English as a global educational commodity of political-economic power.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Alex Josef Kasula

With the current trends in our globalized society, there is a clear increase in multilinguals rise; however, the understanding of multilingual identity and policy towards education stays relatively the same. Recent investigation in multilingualism in the US has shed light on the positive impacts of alternating policy in language education with regard to a greater understanding in how translanguaging and identity impact the language learner and language learning policies (Garcia & Wei, 2013). The following article describes the development of an online multilingual literary magazine, Olowalu Review, that aimed to provide English language learners in an English-only language policy a space to translanguage. Thus, having the opportunity to develop and express their multilingual identities. Goals and the development of the magazine are described in terms relating to current multilingual theory. While the outcomes and findings reveal how Olowalu Review enabled multilinguals to foster and exercise multilingual identities and skills, raise multilingual awareness, and act as an important multilingual artifact through an analysis of written submissions and interviews with authors. Pedagogical implications are discussed to empower language teachers, learners, or artists to develop the same or similar project for their own local, national, or global community. 


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