Awakening to Languages: Preparing a Peaceful Multilingual World
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| Title: | Awakening to Languages: Preparing a Peaceful Multilingual World |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Michel Candelier, Jean François de Pietro |
| Source: | Dimensions. 2026 61:41-63. |
| Availability: | Southern Conference on Language Teaching. P.O. Box 33615, Decatur, GA 30033. Tel: 404-290-1942; Web site: http://www.scolt.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: | Multilingualism, Teaching Methods, Code Switching (Language), Learning Activities, Instructional Effectiveness, Extracurricular Activities, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Europe |
| Abstract: | Awakening to Languages (AtL) is a teaching approach that proposes multilingual activities and accompanies language teaching to foster the learners' awareness of and openness to multilingualism, while increasing their reflexive metalinguistic abilities. In this article, we describe ATL as a component of Didactics of Plurilingualism (DP) and its main aims and characteristics which will be illustrated through multiple examples of activities and teaching materials. We further discuss the reported effects of AtL on learners, teachers, and parents, followed by current trends in integrating AtL in schools. We then turn to a comparison of core concepts of AtL and DP to Translanguaging, noting a lack of the abundance of European research findings and teaching resources that might expand understandings of Translanguaging. The shared goal to highlight and promote all aspects of students' linguistic repertoire is noted across examples of practices. We conclude arguing the importance of AtL instruction to prepare learners for a more peaceful multicultural world. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1500397 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Awakening to Languages (AtL) is a teaching approach that proposes multilingual activities and accompanies language teaching to foster the learners' awareness of and openness to multilingualism, while increasing their reflexive metalinguistic abilities. In this article, we describe ATL as a component of Didactics of Plurilingualism (DP) and its main aims and characteristics which will be illustrated through multiple examples of activities and teaching materials. We further discuss the reported effects of AtL on learners, teachers, and parents, followed by current trends in integrating AtL in schools. We then turn to a comparison of core concepts of AtL and DP to Translanguaging, noting a lack of the abundance of European research findings and teaching resources that might expand understandings of Translanguaging. The shared goal to highlight and promote all aspects of students' linguistic repertoire is noted across examples of practices. We conclude arguing the importance of AtL instruction to prepare learners for a more peaceful multicultural world. |
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