Translanguaging Theory: Structured English Immersion

1412 Words3 Pages

Structured English Immersion. The framework for an English only program can differ from program to program but most importantly the instruction is given only in English unlike the Bilingual programs. The goal of this program is for students to become fluent and literate in English with no real emphasis on their home language. One type of English Only program is called Sheltered English Immersion. This type of program consists of the use of instructional strategies that are created especially for the educational needs of ELLs (Hansen-Thomas, 2008). Adams and Jones (2006) defined structured English immersion (SEI) as “An instructional approach reserved for ELLs at an intermediate English language proficiency level with native language used …show more content…

First, Wright (2010) defines affective filter as “affective filter controls how much comprehensible input gets through to the learner” (p.39). If the affective filter of a second language learner is high, possibly due to things such as, anxiety or low self esteem, very commonly seen in ELLs, than less acquisition of language will take place. However, if the affective filter is lowered through proper teaching techniques and creating a comfortable and accepting learning environment, then more comprehensible input will be utilized and language acquisition will …show more content…

Translanguaging is a theory that encompasses and focuses on language practices of bilingual people (Celic & Seltzer, 2012). Celic and Seltzer (2012) state that translanguaging is a person’s ability and choice to utilize their home language and their second language as resources to make meaning of the things they encounter in every day life. Translanguaging is one of the theories that influence my theoretical framework of my curriculum. This theory is meant to challenge those myths and assumptions about monolingual instruction and bring the belief that monolingualism is the norm versus bilingual practices as being the norm (Celic & Seltzer, 2012). When a bilingual person is translanguaging they are using both their languages in a strategic manner, which is what sets this apart from code switching. The common underlying proficiency theory developed by Cummins (1991) suggests that the first and second language depend on each other and work together, therefore supporting the translanguaging theory. Cummins (1991) believes that if an ELL gets proper second language instruction, their first language skill will then transfer over when learning the second language. This theory is often challenged by monolingual views of second language acquisition, despite the fact that monolingual practices are not well supported by empirical evidence (Cummins, 2007). Translanguaging creates this idea of dynamic bilingualism. Seltzer (2014), describes dynamic

Open Document