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Translanguaging in the classroom

A strategy for English First Additional Language learning

Bibliographic Data

ID21757134
AuthorsPetronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana (0000-0002-6830-0515, University of Pretoria, corresponding author), Gerhard Genis (0000-0002-6097-5681, University of Pretoria)
Year2024
Volume42
Issuesup1
Publication date2024-12-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSouthern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1607-3614 • E-ISSN: 1727-9461
PublisherNational Inquiry Services Center (NISC) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2989/16073614.2024.2387610
OpenAlexW4404619664
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited34

This article explores learners’ experiences of using translanguaging as a strategy for learning English as a First Additional Language by examining the opportunities and barriers associated with it. We followed a qualitative research design and conducted six focus group discussions with 44 multilingual learners who participated in after-school peer-tutoring programmes. These learners came from township schools in Gauteng province, South Africa. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicate that translanguaging acts as a tool for meaning-making and identity construction, thereby affirming learners’ linguistic fluidity. However, mismatches between teachers’ and learners’ home languages and monolingual school practices were identified as barriers to translanguaging. We argue that failure to include indigenous languages in educational systems is an act of curricular inequality that causes alienation as learners struggle to find their voice in a monolingual learning environment. The promotion of indigenous languages is a vehicle for inclusion of all learners in the school system as multilingualism facilitates greater opportunity for these learners to have their voices heard. We maintain that the valorisation and acknowledgement of all languages as legitimate sources of knowledge could have far-reaching benefits for education and could enhance nation building

Linguistics · Mathematics education · Sociology · Translanguaging · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Multilingual Education and Policy · Philosophy · Psychology · Second Language Learning and Teaching

  • Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Tool

    Open Access•Lundi Nomlala•E-Journal of Humanities Arts and…•2025

  • Narratives of teachers’ innovative multilingual learning and learner support strategies in sub-Saharan Africa

    Open Access•Margaret Funke Omidire, Shuaib Abolakale Muhammed•Frontiers in Education•2026

  • Translanguaging for transformation in higher education

    Open Access•Anelisa Thengimfene, Yolisa Madolo•Southern African Linguistics and…•2026

  • Teachers’ codeswitching practices in the quest for Bi/Multilingual education

    Philpo John, Ancyfrida Prosper•Journal of Multilingual and…•2026

  • Translanguaging

    Open Access•Oreto García, Ofelia García et al.•Translanguaging•2014

  • How to use and assess qualitative research methods

    Open Access•Loraine Busetto, Wolfgang Wick et al.•Neurological Research and Practice•2020

  • Moving out of linguistic boxes

    Leketi Makalela•Language and Education•2015

  • Translanguaging in Bilingual Education

    Open Access•Oreto García, Ofelia García et al.•Bilingual and Multilingual…•2016

  • Ubuntu translanguaging

    Leketi Makalela•Southern African Linguistics and…•2016

  • Pedagogical Translanguaging and Its Application to Language Classes

    Open Access•Jasone Cenoz, Durk Gorter•RELC Journal•2022

  • Not a First Language but One Repertoire

    Open Access•Li Wei, Oreto García et al.•RELC Journal•2022

  • Translanguaging in the Bilingual Classroom

    Open Access•Angela Creese, Adrian Blackledge•Modern Language Journal•2010

  • Toward good practice in thematic analysis

    Braun, Victoria Clarke•International Journal of…•2023

  • Translingual Practice as Spatial Repertoires

    Suresh Canagarajah•Applied Linguistics•2018

  • Transpositioning

    Open Access•Li Wei, Tong King Lee•Applied Linguistics•2024

  • Translanguaging pedagogy as seen through a critical literacy lens

    Vimbai Mbirimi-Hungwe•Southern African Linguistics and…•2022

  • Translanguaging in the classroom

    Suresh Canagarajah•Applied Linguistics Review•2011

  • Theories of trans/languaging and trans-semiotizing

    Angel M Y Lin•International Journal of…•2019

  • Students’ Voices on How Indigenous Languages Are Disfavoured in South African Higher Education

    Thembelihle Makhanya, Sibonsile Zibane•Language Matters•2020

  • Translanguaging in School Contexts

    Jasone Cenoz•Journal of Language Identity &…•2017

  • Translanguaging Pedagogies for Positive Identities in Two-Way Dual Language Bilingual Education

    Suzanne García-Mateus, Deborah K Palmer•Journal of Language Identity &…•2017

  • Translanguaging in the context of mainstream multilingual education

    Open Access•Joana Duarte•International Journal of…•2018

  • Translanguaging mediating reading in a multilingual South African township primary classroom

    Khumbuzile Maseko, Dumisile Mkhize•International Journal of…•2019

  • Translanguaging as a Practical Theory of Language

    Open Access•Li Wei•Applied Linguistics•2017

  • Identity negotiation in a super-diverse community

    Shilela Nkadimeng, Leketi Makalela•International Journal of the…•2015

Unique citing works4
Citations per year4
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 4
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