Translanguaging is a dynamic approach to teaching and learning that involves the use of multiple languages in the classroom. It acknowledges the students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds as important tools for learning in any field. While this approach has gained increasing attention in recent years, little research has been conducted on how cultural factors may impact receptiveness to translanguaging. Hence, a comparative study has been designed to investigate higher education (HE) students’ level of receptiveness to pedagogical translanguaging practices in their English as a Medium of Teaching and Learning (EMTL) contexts. The two contexts are the United Arab Emirates, an Asian country, where Arabic is the official language, but English is highly present as the lingua franca and as the language of instruction in HE; and Finland, a European/Western country where English is only present as a foreign language and in international degrees. To examine how these students feel about using their mother tongue and/or other languages in the classroom in their EMTL contexts, a survey was distributed among students at Tampere University in Finland and Abu Dhabi University in the UAE. The expected results are that in Finland, where English is a foreign language, students will be more open to the use of translanguaging than their UAE counterparts, who utilize English as a lingua franca daily. The preliminary results of the study will be presented, and it is expected that the study's conclusions will emphasize the need for culturally responsive approaches to teaching and learning in EMTL contexts.

Authors:
Galyna Dubova, Tampere University, Finland
Daniela Coelho, University of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Galyna Dubova is a Teacher in English and Intercultural Communication at Tampere University in Finland. She has published several articles and chapters in a book on the topics of cultural identity construction and cultural representations.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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