Enhancing an equitable language learning environment through translanguaging in English language classrooms

Kufakunesu Zano and Pretty Thandiswa Mpiti
Additional contact information
Kufakunesu Zano: Walter Sisulu University
Pretty Thandiswa Mpiti: Walter Sisulu University

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 2025, vol. 7, issue 2, 436-444

Abstract: In a learning environment where the system is insensitive to the learners' different needs, this is likely to sideline specific learners' populations, preventing their full participation in the teaching and learning processes. This study aimed to explore how translanguaging can enhance an equitable language learning environment in additional English language classrooms. This systematic review addressed two research questions: How can translanguaging enhance an equitable language learning environment in additional English language classrooms? What are the hindrances to translingual practices in English first additional language learning? This data was retrieved from major databases, including Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Web of Science. After identifying all the articles for the research review, we coded them according to the research questions and theoretical focus. The findings revealed that because of its global appeal in multilingual education, translanguaging has received a plethora of definitions; thus, presently, it has no absolute definition. Also, the paper reveals that translanguaging helps break the language barrier by enhancing the integration of the learners' home languages with the language of teaching and learning, which is English, in this context. Through translanguaging, teachers will employ learner-centred teaching and learning, and not a top-down approach, which is in line with the communicative approach to language teaching. Moreover, through translanguaging, language teachers can use the collaborative approach to language learning; it promotes teamwork, enhances communication skills, and allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives among students. Lastly, the paper shares that the current testing measures are devoid of multilingual approaches in language testing, though there is a call to include learners' multilingual repertoires in their constructs to reflect multilingual lifeworld. Key Words:English first additional language, communicative approach, multilingual approaches, translanguaging

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.bussecon.com/ojs/index.php/ijbes/article/view/763/459 (application/pdf)
https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i2.763 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:adi:ijbess:v:7:y:2025:i:2:p:436-444

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293) is currently edited by Umit Hacioglu

More articles in International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293) from Bussecon International Academy Bussecon International Academy, School of Business, IHU, Ordu cad. F-05 Blok No 3, 34480 Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Umit Hacioglu ().