Description
Book SynopsisThis book contributes to the growing field of foreign language teaching and testing by shedding light on mediation between languages. Stathopoulou offers an empirically-grounded definition of mediation as a form of translanguaging and offers tools and methods for further research in multilingual testing. The book explores what cross-language mediation entails, what processes and strategies are involved, and the challenges often faced by mediators. As well as stressing the importance of administering tests which favour cross-language mediation practices, the author encourages the implementation of language programmes which promote the mingling-of-languages idea and target the development of language learners’ effective translanguaging practices. Researchers studying translanguaging, multilingualism, multilingual testing and the use of mother tongue in the foreign language classroom will all find this book of interest.
Trade ReviewThis study tackles a timely and yet underinvestigated area of foreign language education, that of cross-language mediation. By casting new light on the limitations of a narrowly monolingual vision of language education and testing, the book offers a substantial contribution to researchers and practitioners alike. Readers are invited to venture into an ambitious plurilingual perspective, one that stresses the dynamic and reflective nature of the language learning process.
-- Enrica Piccardo, The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Canada
This inspired book is a must-read for professionals in the field of language teaching and testing, which is politically guilty for contributing to the view that the foreign language learning results are best when languages are kept apart from one another in the classroom. In this context, it has shown total disregard for the development and assessment of learners’ cross-language mediation competence: the stirring concern of this well-researched study.
-- Bessie Dendrinos, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
This book provides a well-written, comprehensive review of the concept of mediation, its development and applications today as a form of translanguaging in social, pedagogic and linguistic contexts. The author provides an empirically-based taxonomy of textual mediation strategies and suggests ways of developing descriptors for aspects of translanguaging and mediation. The work represents a significant contribution to an under-developed but crucial field of enquiry.
-- Brian North, Eurocentres Foundation, Switzerland
Table of ContentsPreface
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 The Notion of Mediation: An Interdisciplinary Overview
Chapter 3 Theorising Mediation
Chapter 4 Mediation Tasks
Chapter 5 Mediation Strategies
Chapter 6 Mediation Strategy Use and Task Type
Chapter 7 Mediation Strategy Use and Proficiency Level
Chapter 8 Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Research
Chapter 9 Teaching and Testing Mediation: A Means for Promoting Multilingualism
References
Notes
Appendices
