Translingual practices in English classrooms in India: current perceptions and future possibilities

Abstract

This paper reports on an exploratory survey investigating both translingual practices in English language classrooms in India and attitudes towards translanguaging and L1 use among teachers surveyed. 169 teachers from primary, secondary, tertiary and adult sectors responded to 33 quantitative and six qualitative items investigating nine research questions. The majority of respondents reported making only occasional use of other languages in English language classrooms, most often for comparing and contrasting language features, explaining concepts, managing the classroom and translating for learners. Only a minority of teachers reported actively facilitating translanguaging during language practice activities. English medium institutions were found to be less tolerant of L1-use practices than non-English medium institutions. More experienced teachers were more likely to express more pro-translanguaging beliefs and report more L1-inclusive practices. Important differences between urban, semi-urban and rural contexts were also found, indicative of a need for varied, context-sensitive approaches to multilingual practices in English classrooms across India. We argue that there is a need for an explicit focus on use of other languages in Indian English language teacher education and suggest more cohesive support for translingual practices across the education system. We also propose an additional ‘inclusive position’ to Macaro’s (2001) three ‘codeswitching’ positions.