Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Translanguaging and Its Practical Use: A Study of Students in the UK
Hisayo Kikuchi
ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the impact of demographic changes on translanguaging practices and perceptions among students at UK universities from the end of 2023 to the beginning of 2024, focusing on both domestic and international populations. Amid increased international student mobility in the 21st century and shifts in student demographics post-Brexit, this research examines how these developments influence translanguaging practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys with both international and domestic students and interviews exclusively with international students across five diverse UK universities, the study reveals that translanguaging is widely recognized and utilized across various media and social interactions, transcending national backgrounds. Statistical analyses indicate significant differences in the settings where translanguaging is most prevalently used; domestic students primarily engage in such practices within educational settings, whereas international students do so more frequently at home. This divergence underscores how cultural and personal contexts shape linguistic practices and emphasizes the role of translanguaging in navigating social identities and cultural integration. The findings offer deeper insights into translanguaging in modern educational contexts and suggest specific implications for educational policies, such as adapting curricula to include multilingual approaches, and the design of learning environments that accommodate the linguistic dynamics of diverse student bodies. Future research directions include exploring the cognitive and educational outcomes of translanguaging practices, aiming to enhance educational strategies and support systems for a multilingual student population in globalized academic settings.
keywords: Cultural integration, Educational policy, International students, Multicultural education, post-Brexit