What does the term 'translanguaging' refer to in an educational context?

The term 'translanguaging' refers to the practice of fluidly switching between languages within educational contexts to support and enhance learning. This approach recognizes that bilingual learners possess a holistic linguistic repertoire that includes multiple languages, and leveraging this repertoire can lead to deeper understanding and engagement with the material.

By allowing students to draw on all of their language skills, translanguaging empowers them to express their ideas more fully and connect concepts across languages. It is an inclusive strategy that respects and utilizes the linguistic diversity of learners, acknowledging that their ability to negotiate between languages can facilitate comprehension and promote critical thinking.

This contrasts with the notion of using only one language in instruction, which might inhibit learners from fully participating or expressing themselves. The other options focus on limiting language usage or proficiency in a single language, which does not reflect the dynamic and interactive nature of language use inherent in translanguaging.