Translanguaging and the perception of exclusion in ELF context

Abstract

This study has contributed to the field of linguistics and intercultural communication by providing more insight on the possible relationship between translanguaging and the perception of exclusion in other ELF users with a different L1. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between translanguaging and the perception of exclusion. The results could lay a foundation for future research in this field that can help improve the informal international educational environment. A substantial amount of research has been conducted in the field of translanguaging focusing on the different theories, (in)effectiveness and analysis of translanguaging (Blackledge & Creese, 2010; Blackledge & Pavlenko, 2004;Briggs & Smith, 2017;Canagarajah, 2007; Cogo, 2016; García, 2010; García & Li Wei 2014; House, 2013; Kappa, 2016; Prodromou, 2007). However, this research mostly left out the effects of translanguaging on interlocutors with a different first language (L1). The interlocutors with a different L1 could feel excluded from the conversation due to incomprehensible conversation. During this study, seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with international students who had spent at least 5 months in the Netherlands. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded according to the relevance. The results from this limited study suggest that there is a negative influence of translanguaging on the perception of exclusion of ELF users with a different first language. This relationship is dependent on four contextual factors: the awareness of the linguistic repertoires, the intended collaborative actions to bridge differences, the interpersonal relationship and the level of uncertainty. It is advised that future research on the effects of translanguaging on the perception of exclusion takes these new insights into consideration.