Parental Perceptions on Translanguaging in Education

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of parents on the use of translanguaging in teaching and learning in the context of Eswatini. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm, and a case study approach was used to understand the perceptions and insights of the parents on translanguaging. Five parents were purposively sampled using convenience sampling. These were learned parents who are also practicing in institutions of higher learning. Open-ended questionnaires and unstructured interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Questionnaires were distributed via the participants' emails. Study findings for the study indicated that parents differ in the way they perceive translanguaging as parents and as lecturers. As parents, they are not comfortable with their children learning in Siswati, and as lectures, they still prefer English as a medium of instruction. Based on the finding the researcher recommends that teachers have to be supported or guided on the appropriate use of translanguaging to enhance the teaching and learning in the classroom.