Description
Multilingualism describes the ability of individuals to understand and use two or more languages to varying degrees. It includes productive competencies such as speaking and writing, as well as receptive skills such as listening and reading. Language proficiency is dynamic: it can grow, change, or in some cases diminish.
In societies, multilingualism is reflected in the coexistence of different linguistic communities, regional or minority languages, as well as through migration processes. Research shows that multilingualism not only provides communicative advantages but also fosters cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and intercultural understanding.
In educational contexts, multilingualism is increasingly recognized as a valuable resource. It supports differentiated learning, strengthens identity development, and enables students to participate more fully in a globally interconnected world.
Complementing this perspective, the concept of Translanguaging refers to the comprehensive and flexible use of all the languages, dialects, and varieties available to an individual in order to make learning and communication processes more effective and authentic.
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Fact Sheets
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Methods
Multilingualism has become an integral part of school reality: many students grow up with two or more languages. This creates valuable opportunities for learning, identity development, and intercultural understanding. At the same time, it challenges schools to integrate linguistic diversity into teaching in a conscious and constructive way.
Approaches to multilingual teaching include:
- Translanguaging
Learners use different languages flexibly to understand, process, and present content, drawing on their full linguistic repertoire. - Language Portraits
Students visualize the languages they speak, reflect on their identities, and make linguistic diversity within the classroom visible. - Contrastive Language Work
Learners compare grammatical structures, vocabulary, or idiomatic expressions across languages to identify similarities and differences. - Multilingual Materials
Bilingual books, subtitles, or parallel texts support access to content and acknowledge linguistic diversity. - Digital Tools and AI
Translation apps, AI-supported tools, and language comparison applications are used to analyse languages and encourage critical reflection. - Integrating First Languages Students are encouraged to use their first or family languages in class—for example during brainstorming sessions or group work.
- Language Collections
Students create multilingual vocabulary lists, classroom displays, or digital glossaries on specific topics using all available languages. - Multilingual Writing Tasks
Students write texts that incorporate several languages, such as bilingual poems, stories, or diary entries. - Multilingual Project Work
Groups use different linguistic resources for research and presentations, enabling collaborative knowledge construction. - Multilingual Reading and Storytelling
Stories are read aloud in different languages or supported by audio and video materials to highlight linguistic diversity. - Multilingual Theatre
Students develop and perform scenes or short plays in multiple languages, promoting creativity and language awareness. - Language Detective Tasks
Students explore meaning and linguistic structures by comparing words, texts, or dialogues across languages. - Multilingual Research
Information is intentionally sought in different languages and then synthesized in the language of instruction. - Involving Parents and the Community
Family members or community guests contribute their languages through stories, proverbs, or songs in the classroom.
- Translanguaging
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Materials
This page provides practical teaching materials and recommendations. (Available in German only)