Translanguaging in Indonesian EFL Classrooms: Pedagogical Insights and Student Perspectives

Authors

Fauzi Miftakh, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, IndonesiaFollow
Elih Sutisna Yanto, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, IndonesiaFollow
Annisa Fitria Harjadi, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

This study investigates translanguaging practices in Indonesian secondary English classrooms and analyzes how teachers and students use multiple languages to enrich the learning experience. Drawing on observations, interviews, and field notes from two teachers and four students in West Java, the study found that translanguaging fosters student comprehension, confidence, and identity affirmation. Teachers strategically used English, Indonesian, and Sundanese to scaffold instruction across various phases, creating an inclusive learning environment. Students responded positively, pointing to a reduction in anxiety and improved participation. These findings are consistent with sociocultural learning theories and challenge monolingual ideologies. The study concludes that translanguaging is an effective pedagogical tool to promote equal language learning. However, limitations include the small size of the sample and the short time span of data collection , which may affect the universality. Future research should extend beyond context and include longitudinal analysis to assess the long-term impacts. This research adds to the growing evidence that supports multilingual pedagogies in diverse educational settings.

Keywords

translanguaging, multilingual education, EFL classroom, Indonesia, language identity, student engagement, sociocultural theory

Author Bio(s)

Fauzi Miftakh is a Faculty Member in the Faculty of Teacher Education, and Training, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang. His research focuses on Teaching English Methodology and Intercultural Communication.

Elih Sutisna Yanto is a reviewer for several reputable international journals such as the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, published by EMERALD, Cogent Education and Cogent Arts & Humanities published by Taylor & Francis, and The Journal of Asia TEFL; TESOL Journal; Sexuality, Gender and Policy; and Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Elih is a board member of the Exploratory Practice Indonesian Community (EPiC) and faculty member of teacher training and education at Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, Indonesia. He has taught English for twenty years. His research interests are language teacher professional development, Systemic Functional Linguistics in language education, and qualitative research in English Language Teaching. Please direct correspondence to elih.sutisna@fkip.unsika.ac.id

Annisa Fitri Harjadi is an English student at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Singaperbangsa University Karawang, Indonesia. Her research interests are in educational linguistics, and Translanguaging Practice in ELT.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all students who participated in this study. We also would like to express our sincere gratitude to TQR Editor team for his feedback on the earlier manuscript.

Publication Date

11-30-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.6687

Recommended APA Citation

Miftakh, F., Yanto, E. S., & Harjadi, A. F. (2025). Translanguaging in Indonesian EFL classrooms: Pedagogical insights and student perspectives. The Qualitative Report, 30(11), 4679-4702. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.6687

ORCID ID

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0701-6454

ResearcherID

AAD-6154-2022