Motivation for Using Translanguaging in Kakuma Refugee Camp School

Abstract

This paper explores the motivation for translanguaging in the Kakuma refugee camp school. The study aimed to examine the reasons for using translanguaging in Kakuma refugee camp schools. This study was guided by translanguaging theory. Through a case study approach, classroom observation and interviews were used to collect data. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the reasons for using translanguaging are the facilitation of students’ understanding of the subject matter, enhancing meaning-making in the lesson, activation of the classroom, and fostering communication. The findings of this study may inform the need to recognise translanguaging as a legitimate teaching pedagogy in the language-in-education policy in Kenya and in refugee camp schools in Kenya