Empowering voices: A deep dive into translanguaging perceptions among Turkish high school and university language learners

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of translanguaging among high school and university foreign language students in Turkey using a mixed-methods research design. 325 participants, comprising 155 high school and 170 university students, were surveyed to understand how translanguaging practices impact language learning, cultural integration, and academic performance. The study is grounded in Translanguaging Theory, Sociocultural Theory, and Pedagogical Translanguaging, emphasizing the fluid use of students' linguistic repertoires in language education. The findings reveal significant differences in perceptions based on gender, educational level, and age, highlighting the need for tailored translanguaging strategies to support diverse learner needs. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on translanguaging by providing empirical evidence from the Turkish educational context, offering insights into optimizing language teaching practices in multilingual settings.