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Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Awakening to Languages (AtL) is a teaching approach that proposes multilingual activities and accompanies language teaching to foster the learners’ awareness of and openness to multilingualism, while increasing their reflexive metalinguistic abilities. In this article, we describe ATL as a component of Didactics of Plurilingualism (DP) and its main aims and characteristics which will be illustrated through multiple examples of activities and teaching materials. We further discuss the reported effects of AtL on learners, teachers, and parents, followed by current trends in integrating AtL in schools. We then turn to a comparison of core concepts of AtL and DP to Translanguaging, noting a lack of the abundance of European research findings and teaching resources that might expand understandings of Translanguaging. The shared goal to highlight and promote all aspects of students’ linguistic repertoire is noted across examples of practices. We conclude arguing the importance of AtL instruction to prepare learners for a more peaceful multicultural world.

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