Students’ Translanguaging Practices in EFL Classroom Interaction at SMP Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate students’ translanguaging practices in EFL classroom interactions at SMP Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan. Specifically, it focused on identifying the types and functions of translanguaging employed by students during classroom interactions. This study adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through recordings of classroom interactions and interviews with students. The findings revealed that students frequently engaged in translanguaging through code-switching and code-mixing between English and Bahasa Indonesia. These practices served several functions, including clarifying meaning, responding to the teacher, asking questions, expressing ideas, maintaining communication, and helping peers understand the lesson. Furthermore, translanguaging enhanced students’ confidence and encouraged their active participation in classroom interactions. The findings indicate that translanguaging plays an important role in facilitating communication and supporting the learning process in EFL classrooms. Therefore, translanguaging can be regarded as a valuable pedagogical strategy in English language teaching and learning.