Translanguaging
Multilingualism is already part of everyday life in many early childhood settings. Children often mix languages while playing: a phenomenon known in the literature as Translanguaging. Research clearly shows that this integrated language use is not a weakness but a skilled strategy.
Translanguaging: More than just mixing languages
Translanguaging refers to the flexible, context-dependent use of all linguistic resources. Children use their entire language repertoire to express themselves, solve problems, and interact with others. Research clearly shows that this integrated language use is not a weakness but a skilled strategy. It supports language comprehension, aids the acquisition of German as a second language, and strengthens children’s identity and self-confidence.
Why Translanguaging is important in early childhood education
Educators can actively support Translanguaging to promote language development. Children who speak multiple languages learn to use words and structures flexibly. This has several benefits:
- Expanding language competence: Children connect content across languages, learn to transfer meaning, and develop richer expression.
- Boosting self-confidence: Children understand that their family languages are valuable, strengthening identity and a sense of belonging.
- Creating an inclusive language environment: All children benefit from an environment where multilingualism is visible and valued.
Translanguaging refers to the flexible, context-dependent use of all linguistic resources.
Practical examples from early childhood settings
This is how you as an early childhood professional can support early language acquisition:
Use everyday activities:
Play, crafts, and daily routines offer opportunities to use all languages. Educators comment and expand on children’s contributions without interrupting the mix.
Action-based talking:
While building with blocks, a child says: “I put the red block here – czerwona, here – дом.” The educator follows along, expands vocabulary, and asks questions so that meanings connect across languages.
Make language visible:
Word lists, images, or small signs in multiple languages help connect family languages with German.
Storytelling and word mixing:
A child speaks German, Polish, and Russian. When telling a story, they combine words from all three languages to express themselves accurately. Educators can support this by asking questions, repeating, or commenting, without interrupting the mixture.
Projects and books:
When reading a picture book, children can add words in their family language. This creates a rich linguistic network that enhances both language competence and motivation.
Für mehr Ressourcen zum Thema Mehrsprachigkeit in der Kita empfehle ich die Veranstaltungen des Vereins frühe Mehrsprachigkeit in der Kita, die ich hier verlinke.
Translanguaging is an evidence-based approach that allows all of a child’s languages to be used as a resource. Children learn not despite mixing languages, but because of it. Educators can support this by incorporating family languages, using action-based speaking, and creating an inclusive language environment.
Embracing Translanguaging promotes not only language competence but also self-confidence, identity, and motivation. It’s an opportunity to make everyday life in early childhood settings resource-oriented, appreciative, and creative.
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