The reflection of the first foreign language (English) by utilizing translanguaging strategies in the teaching of second foreign language (German)

Abstract

The present study aims to identify translanguaging strategies and question the effectiveness of these strategies in foreign language classrooms. To this aim, a 10th grade German class was observed during fall and spring semesters of 2017-2018 academic year, and interviews before, during and after observation process were conducted with the German language teacher of the second foreign language classroom. Based on the studies of the City University of New York, to provide half of the instruction in English while the other half in the target language through translanguaging strategies is quite beneficial and fruitful for foreign language learning. Translanguaging as an emerging application is accepted as a part of both education and language equality. By challenging the rigid separation of foreign languages in the classroom, translanguaging strategies ensure that teachers employ a 50-50 model of first foreign language and target foreign language while teaching an additional foreign language. Findings of the current research showed that the teacher frequently prefers using vocabulary and syntax-based strategies in her second foreign language classroom, and the students generally responded to the use of these strategies and used them to participate activities and raise questions. Considering specifically the interview transcriptions, it was detected that the teacher uses translanguaging strategies undeliberately, but willingly, without any planning.