Teaching English in Bilingual and Multilingual Contexts
Meaning • Necessity • Importance • Strategies • Challenges • References
1. Meaning of Bilingual and Multilingual Context
A bilingual context refers to a situation where learners use two languages in their daily life, whereas a multilingual context refers to the use of more than two languages for communication, learning, and social interaction.
In such contexts, English is generally learned as a second or additional language, not as a mother tongue.
A learner may speak Odia at home, use Hindi socially, and learn English at school.
2. Meaning of Teaching English in a Bilingual/Multilingual Context
Teaching English in a bilingual or multilingual context means using learners’ existing language knowledge as a support to facilitate English learning.
It accepts the idea that learners already possess language competence and that English learning becomes effective when linked with their mother tongue or familiar languages.
3. Is it Necessary? Why?
Yes, teaching English through a bilingual or multilingual approach is essential, especially in countries like India.
- English is not the home language of most learners
- Learners think and process ideas in their mother tongue
- English-only classrooms create fear and silence
- NEP-2020 supports multilingual learning
- Research proves better comprehension through known languages
4. Importance of Bilingual and Multilingual Approach
(a) Cognitive Importance
Prior language knowledge helps learners understand grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures of English more easily.
(b) Psychological Importance
Use of familiar languages reduces anxiety, increases confidence, and motivates learners to participate.
(c) Social and Cultural Importance
Respecting learners’ languages promotes inclusiveness and preserves cultural identity.
(d) Educational Importance
It improves classroom interaction and supports first-generation and slow learners.
5. Role of Language Transfer in English Learning
| From Known Language | Helps in English Learning |
|---|---|
| Sentence structure | Understanding English word order |
| Vocabulary meaning | Guessing meanings of English words |
| Grammar awareness | Learning tense and agreement rules |
6. Role of the Teacher
- Acts as a facilitator, not a translator
- Uses mother tongue strategically
- Encourages code-switching when required
- Creates a supportive language environment
- Gradually increases English exposure
7. Teaching Strategies
- Using mother tongue as a bridge
- Purposeful code-switching
- Limited and meaningful translation
- Group discussion and peer interaction
- Activity-based and contextual learning
8. Challenges
- Overdependence on mother tongue
- Lack of teacher training
- Rigid English-only policies
- Large and diverse classrooms
- Shortage of multilingual materials
9. Suggestions
- Teacher training in multilingual pedagogy
- Flexible language policies
- Development of bilingual resources
- Focus on listening and speaking before writing
- Positive attitude towards learners’ languages
10. Conclusion
Teaching English in bilingual and multilingual contexts is an educational strength, not a limitation. Learners’ languages act as valuable resources that make English learning meaningful, inclusive, and effective.
Internet-Based References
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Government of India
- NCERT (2006) Position Paper on Teaching of English
- UNESCO (2003) Education in a Multilingual World
- British Council – Teaching English in Multilingual Classrooms
- Cummins, J. (1984) Bilingualism and Special Education
- Krashen, S. (1982) Second Language Acquisition
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