Definitions
What is EMI?
EMI is the use of English to teach academic subjects in non-English L1 countries.
Name a function of translanguaging.
Aids content transmission, classroom management, and social bonding.
Name an embodied semiotic mode used.
Gestures like pointing or signs used alongside language.
State one benefit of translanguaging.
Translanguaging improves comprehension and engagement in EMI.
What key skill should EMI teachers develop?
EMI teachers need multimodal and plurilingual competence.
Define translanguaging.
Translanguaging is the use of multiple languages to aid learning and meaning-making.
How does translanguaging support classroom management?
By giving feedback and managing discipline.
Name a disembodied semiotic mode.
Blackboards, slides, graphs.
What are language-related challenges in EMI?
Vocabulary difficulties and speaking barriers.
Why incorporate plurilingual pedagogy in EMI?
Plurilingual pedagogy recognizes and uses students' full linguistic repertoire.
What does trans-semiotising involve?
Trans-semiotising adds multimodal elements like gestures and visuals to translanguaging.
Give an example of a social or affective function.
Building rapport and reducing anxiety.
What is proxemics?
Use of space and physical distance in communication.
How does trans-semiotising reduce student anxiety?
Trans-semiotising reduces student anxiety by allowing multiple modes for meaning.
How does multimodality help students with low proficiency?
Multimodality helps support students with lower English proficiency
What is a semiotic resource?
Modes of communication, including language, gestures, visuals.
What does scaffolding mean in EMI teaching?
Scaffolding is supporting students’ comprehension using language and semiotic resources.
How do visuals aid comprehension in EMI?
By reinforcing spoken content.
Mention a challenge EMI lecturers face regarding L1 use.
Some teachers resist L1 use fearing erosion of English immersion.
How can EMI teachers encourage appropriate L1 use?
Teachers can encourage L1 use strategically to scaffold learning.
What is multimodality in EMI?
Combining multiple semiotic modes to enhance meaning.
How does translanguaging build student rapport?
By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom.
Describe a multimodal ensemble used in EMI teaching.
Combined use of language, gestures, visuals, and space.
Why is language mixing controversial in EMI?
Language mixing is controversial due to beliefs about maintaining English dominance.
Why are multimodal skills vital for EMI teachers?
Multimodal skills enhance teacher communication and pedagogical effectiveness.