What is Translanguaging? Translanguaging refers to a pedagogical process of utilizing more than one language within a classroom lesson. It is the practice of using two languages in the same lesson, which differed from many previous methods of bilingual education that tried to separate languages by class, time, or day. The term is a result of bilingualism. It is used in school and in any place of multilingual speakers, who constitute most language communities in the world. 1
Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos provided a virtual presentation about the importance of Translanguaging in Greek language education in the U.S.A., February 9th, at the “International Greek Language Day” of the Department of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with Larnaca College, Cyprus. His PowerPoint presentation was amazing. He combined theoretical information about language learning as well as practical ideas, related to teaching Greek in schools with young and older students.
Dr. Papadopoulos preferred blue and white colors like the Colors of the Greek flag. He underlined the importance of promoting and maintaining the Greek language, culture, and history for students of Greek and American backgrounds living in the USA. His use of quotes from famous Greek authors and linguists was impressive. The professor used pictures and videos to guide the Greek teachers in America. Dr. Papadopoulos inspired educators in the implementation of educational and creative activities for developing the Greek language in the classroom curriculum.
His Translanguaging presentation offered practical teaching activities that can be used in Greek language education in the U.S.A. The professor discussed the origin of Translanguaging and how it can be implemented and promoted in the classroom. He utilized multimodal activities, interactive games, and rhetoric-based tasks, bringing Greek language in the center of the teaching, and learning process. The presenter stressed that teachers should allow learners to make use of their entire linguistic and paralinguistic repertoire when learning Greek. They should not forget the Greek language!
His studies, expertise, and knowledge about the teaching of Greek language were reflected on his online presentation which approached Translanguaging not only theoretically but pedagogically and practically in his attempt to facilitate teachers’ behavior in the Greek schools of America. “Dr. Papadopoulos has assisted us in numerous online presentations,” said Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education and Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas, President of the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S.
The Department of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with Larnaca College, Cyprus. gave a glimpse into the newest Teaching techniques in the study of the Greek language. “I understand the difficulties of keeping Greek alive in the United States,” said Rector Dr Mavrokodatos of Larnaca College. “I lived in America. I understand and will help.” Cyprus promotes education is a numerous and academically strong network of universities and colleges.
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