Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

---

While there is a growing appreciation for translanguaging as an effective multilingual teaching strategy, there's still a lack of empirical research on how ethnolinguistic minority students view their teachers' translanguaging methods in Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. To fill this gap, the current study examined the attitudes of Iranian Turkmen EFL learners toward their teachers' use of English–Turkmen translanguaging. It also examined the perceived benefits, challenges, and suggestions for implementing this approach effectively in the classroom. Data was gathered from 100 Turkmen high school students in Kalaleh, Golestan Province, Iran, through a combination of closed- and open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. The results showed that students generally had positive feelings about their teachers' strategic use of English–Turkmen translanguaging. They found that this approach helped with understanding, eased language-related anxiety, boosted their self-confidence, and encouraged them to participate more actively in class. However, they also recognized that relying too much on their mother tongue could limit their chances to practice English and create a dependency on it. Participants suggested that translanguaging should be used intentionally, with clear educational goals and proper teacher training. These findings highlight the educational benefits of thoughtful translanguaging in enhancing language learning, affirming students' linguistic identities, and promoting inclusive multilingual classrooms, ultimately leading to fairer English language education in diverse linguistic settings.

Keywords: Iranian Turkmen EFL learners, mother tongue, L1 use in EFL instruction, attitude, bilingual learners.

     

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:

---

---