Translanguaging and Vocabulary Learning

Translanguaging involves the use of the first language in the second or foreign language classroom. Such language use has been a matter of debate with regards to vocabulary learning, but the research findings are clear. Using the first language to explain the meanings of foreign or second language words is highly effective and has a positive effect on the learning of vocabulary. The primary reason for this positive effect is that first language translations are clear and comprehensible. For the same reason, hard-copy or electronic bilingual dictionaries are a very useful resource for elementary and intermediate level learners of English as a foreign language. Learners at the elementary and intermediate levels do not have a large enough vocabulary to cope with monolingual English dictionaries, because even dictionaries which have been specially prepared for learners of English as a foreign language use a defining vocabulary of around 2000 words.