Translanguaging: Teachers' Perspectives on English as a Bridging Resource in Swedish as a Second Language Classrooms
2019 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
The concept of translanguaging is new and its utilization in Swedish as a Second Language (SVA) classrooms varies. The increasing number of multilingual students present in such classrooms has made the exploration of its application a central aspect within pedagogical research. Most, if not all, translanguaging research has focused exclusively on the utilization of a learner's native language in the acquisition of the target language in creating learning environments that are conducive to learning. In the case of Swedish classrooms, the potential of English as a more widely used resource is often overlooked although it has the possibility to improve the learning dynamics during lessons.
As English is an ever-present language in Sweden, especially when it comes to communication and mass media, its status and accessibility as a language both globally and locally can be valuable. Therefore, its potential as a resource in classrooms should not be ignored and should instead be explored more thoroughly.
In this essay the focus is on English as a bridging resource in SVA classrooms. We explore and discuss the perspectives of seven SVA teachers who share their ideas and thoughts about utilizing English in their respective classrooms, specifically when it comes to clarification of certain tasks, and the facilitation of their students' acquisition of Swedish.
The results of this study indicate that English is a very valuable bridging resource in the acquisition of Swedish, especially during the teaching of complex grammar components as it saves time. Although there were also counterproductive effects associated with English, the interviewees agree that it is a very productive resource during their lessons, particularly when there is an urgent need to bridge communication with their respective students.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2019. , p. 54
Keywords [en]
Translanguaging, language repertoires, multilingualism, English, English as a lingua franca, scaffolding, bridging resource
National Category
Educational Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-13927Local ID: EXE601OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hv-13927DiVA, id: diva2:1321809
Subject / course
English
Educational program
Teacher Traning Programme
Supervisors
Examiners
2019-06-102019-06-102019-06-10Bibliographically approved