Understanding the Oral and Written Translanguaging Practices of Emergent Bilinguals: Insights from Korean Heritage Language Classrooms in the US

Understanding the Oral and Written Translanguaging Practices of Emergent Bilinguals explores the translanguaging practices and preferences of young, emergent bilinguals in a Korean heritage language school in the U.S. It examines the role of sociocultural influences on language use and development, with particular attention to immigrant parental involvement and engagement. The book provides valuable insights for the education of emergent bilinguals to support their language and literacy development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Understanding the Oral and Written Translanguaging Practices of Emergent Bilinguals delves into a qualitative research study conducted with elementary-grade children at a Korean heritage language school in the United States. This insightful text offers unique insights into the translanguaging practices and preferences of young, emerging bilinguals within a minority language group. By examining the interplay of sociocultural influences on emergent bilinguals' language use and development, the book sheds light on the crucial role of immigrant parental involvement and engagement in their bilingual children's language learning and academic success.

Through the presentation of data derived from classroom audio recordings, writing samples, and semi-structured interviews with children and parents, the book identifies significant implications for the education of emergent bilinguals to enhance their overall language and literacy development. This text is particularly relevant to doctoral students, researchers, and scholars with a keen interest in bilingual education, biliteracy, and early literacy development. Additionally, those with an interest in applied linguistics, the Korean language, and multicultural education will find this volume to be of great value.

The study conducted at the Korean heritage language school provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of translanguaging, where children navigate between their home language and the target language in various contexts. The children's language use reflects their bilingualism, showcasing a blend of their heritage language and the language of the school. The researchers observed that the children exhibited a high level of proficiency in their home language, which they used as a resource for learning and expressing themselves.

However, the study also revealed that the children were actively engaged in the process of language acquisition and development in their target language. They demonstrated a willingness to experiment with new vocabulary and grammar structures, and they were eager to participate in language-learning activities and discussions. The children's translanguaging practices highlighted the importance of maintaining their cultural identity while embracing the opportunities offered by the target language.

The findings of the study also shed light on the role of immigrant parental involvement and engagement in their bilingual children's language learning and academic performance. The parents expressed a strong desire to support their children's language development and to promote their bilingualism. They actively participated in their children's language learning by reading books, singing songs, and engaging in language-learning activities at home. The parents also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with their children's heritage language and culture, which they believed contributed to their children's language and academic success.

The study highlights the significance of bilingual education in supporting the language and literacy development of emergent bilinguals. It emphasizes the need for educators to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment that recognizes and values the children's bilingualism. Educators should also be aware of the sociocultural influences that shape the children's language use and development and work to create a curriculum that promotes both language acquisition and cultural preservation.

In conclusion, Understanding the Oral and Written Translanguaging Practices of Emergent Bilinguals offers a valuable contribution to the field of bilingual education. Through its detailed analysis of the translanguaging practices and preferences of young, emerging bilinguals, the book provides insights into the complexities of bilingualism and the importance of supporting bilingual children's language and literacy development. The study's findings have significant implications for educators, policymakers, and researchers who work with bilingual and multilingual populations.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367555108