Language is deeply tied to identity, and valuing students’ home languages in the classroom signals respect for their culture and heritage. For immigrant and minority students, this recognition challenges the historical marginalization of their voices and fosters a sense of belonging. Integrating languages like Spanish, African American Vernacular English, Tagalog, or Ukrainian alongside dominant languages acknowledges their lived experiences and validates their importance in the academic community.

Multilingual classrooms also disrupt the dominance of monolingual education systems, which often privilege the dominant language, such as Standard American English (SAE) in the United States. This bias can negatively impact academic performance and self-esteem. By adopting multilingual strategies, such as translanguaging practices, educators promote equity, ensuring all students have the tools to succeed, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds. This cultivates empathy and global awareness among all students. Embracing multilingualism in education is not only a pedagogical choice but also a commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.

1. Incorporate Side-by-Side Texts

Use bilingual books or side-by-side texts, where the same content is presented in two languages. This allows monolingual students to compare and engage with a different language while reinforcing comprehension of the content, and it allows multilingual students to reinforce their understanding of their native languages.

2. Encourage Multilingual Peer Collaboration

Pair or group students with varying language strengths and encourage them to use their full linguistic repertoires during discussions and projects. This allows students who speak minority languages to use their home languages to contribute meaningfully while promoting empathy and cultural exchange among peers.

3. Allow Multilingual Writing and Speaking

Permit students to submit assignments, journal entries, or presentations using multiple languages. For example, a student might write an essay in English but include direct quotes, idioms, or reflections in their home language. They may also submit assignments in their own language but explain their findings to the class in English. This practice validates their linguistic identity and allows them to express ideas more authentically.

4. Showcase Multilingual Media

Include songs, videos, or excerpts from books in different languages. Use the dominant language to discuss or translate the content.

5. Celebrate Linguistic Diversity in Classroom Norms

Create a classroom culture where using multiple languages is normalized and celebrated. Use labels, posters, and student work in various languages to affirm their importance. Host activities like multilingual storytelling or poetry sessions where students share aspects of their culture and language, making sure to highlight a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.

By incorporating translanguaging into the classroom, educators not only support equitable learning but also challenge monolingual norms, empowering students to embrace their full identities and foster inclusive environments.