STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSLANGUAGING PRACTICE IN ENGLISH CLASSROOM DISCUSSION AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Translanguaging is a common practice in classrooms in bilingual communities, and
educators are beginning to realize that it should also be a tool used by teachers to help
students utilize all their linguistic resources during interactions and learning activities in
the classroom. The aim of this research was to investigate the perceptions of junior high
school students towards the implementation of translanguaging, as this application can
have a direct impact on students. The researchers also wanted to explore the advantages
and disadvantages of using translanguaging for English learning in junior high school
classes. This study used a mixed-methods approach - quantitative and qualitative
research, where the researcher present data in both numerical and descriptive forms.
Data collection was carried out through survey questionnaires and interviews. The
results of the questionnaire revealed that 82% of students view translanguaging
positively, especially in helping comprehension and encouraging participation in class.
Interview findings support these results by highlighting students' appreciation for the
use of Indonesian and local languages to enhance understanding of complex English
material, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. However, some students expressed
neutral or cautious views regarding the drawbacks of translanguaging, including
concerns about reduced opportunities to speak English and the potential for excessive
reliance on L1. Overall, this study concludes that translanguaging is a well-accepted and
effective pedagogical strategy in EFL classrooms when applied in a balanced and
purposeful manner.
Key words: Translanguaging, Perception, Students’ Junior High School