Language shift: analysing language use in multilingual classroom interactions

Harni Kartika-Ningsih,David Rose

doi:10.1186/s40554-018-0061-0

Harni Kartika-Ningsih, David Rose

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40554-018-0061-0

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Abstract

This paper offers a framework and set of tools for analysing the use of language shift in multilingual classroom discourse. The term language shift refers to the use of multiple languages in all types of interactions, including teaching and learning. The analysis was developed in the context of an action research project in Indonesian schools. It includes three components: a framework for mapping teaching approaches in multilingual classrooms; an analysis of pedagogic interactions, showing the structures of language shift within and between speaker roles; and an analysis of the pedagogic functions of language shift, as lessons and teacher/learner interactions unfold. The theoretical foundation for the analysis is the model of language as text-in-context developed in systemic functional linguistics.

Highlights

Multilingualism in communities and schools In multilingual communities, switching from one language to another takes place on a daily basis, so members are likely to speak more than one language
This paper has offered a brief illustration of language shift analysis in multilingual pedagogic practice
Language shift was defined as the process of meaning making realized in two or more languages, incorporating popular concepts such as ‘code-switching’ and ‘translanguaging’

Summary

Background

Multilingualism in communities and schools In multilingual communities, switching from one language to another takes place on a daily basis, so members are likely to speak more than one language. The students’ task is to identify a wording in the sentence, the Latin name for a bird species, Nisaetus bartelsi The teacher prepares this task in two K1 moves, using L1. Functions of language shift in a multilingual literacy lesson The detailed reading interaction in Table 9 is an excerpt from the early stages of a lesson sequence, which is aimed at learning to read and write L2 texts. This excerpt illustrates functions of each type of language shift: interrole, intermove and intramove The function of this lesson activity is to write a sentence in L2 (English), that describes the female of a bird species, using notes written on the class board in L2. She uses intermove language shift to focus the task, first in L2, Any other sentences? and repeats the question in L1

Prepare sentence direct attention

T Any other way?

T Akhir kalimat pakai apa?

Conclusion