Senior Teaching Associate Josianne Block shares insights on how embracing learners’ linguistic resources can enhance communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more dynamic learning environment.

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What is translanguaging?

Josianne defines translanguaging as the natural blending of languages to communicate effectively. She shares real-world examples, such as using gestures, words from other languages we know, and cultural knowledge to convey meaning.

The role of translanguaging

Josianne explains how translanguaging reflects the interconnected nature of languages in our minds. Far from being a shortcut, it’s a powerful tool for building confidence and fostering curiosity among learners.

Classroom strategies

Josianne describes how she incorporates translanguaging by:

• Starting lessons by writing vocabulary words in learners' languages.
• Exploring cross-linguistic similarities with idioms and expressions.
• Creating visual displays that highlight the linguistic diversity of her students.

Safe learning spaces

Josianne emphasises the importance of establishing clear guidelines for using learners’ first languages. She shares how this approach helps students transition from relying on their native languages to gaining confidence in English.

1. Vocabulary Connections: Begin a lesson by having students write translations of key vocabulary in other languages they speak on the board to spark engagement.
2. Compare Idioms: Discuss an English idiom and invite students to share similar expressions in their own languages.
3. Celebrate Linguistic Diversity: Create classroom charts or displays featuring common phrases in all the languages spoken by your learners.

ABOUT

Josianne is based in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean. She has over ten years of teaching experience in English and currently works as a senior teaching associate at the University of Malta. Josianne holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL and is also qualified to teach Italian and Maltese as foreign languages. Having taught several integration programmes, she is particularly interested in language dynamics and linguistic diversity within multilingual contexts. She also actively participates in local and international ELT conferences and enjoys conducting research.

REFERENCES

• Garcia, O., & Wei, L. (2014). Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Kerr, P. (2014). Translation and Own-language Activities. Cambridge University Press.
• Translanguaging Guides. CUNY-NYSIEB. (2021). Available at https://www.cunynysieb.org/ translanguaging-re Accessed on 19/11/2024.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Josianne Block.

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