Multilingualism in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

This study investigated the beliefs of future teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Cyprus regarding multilingualism, multiculturalism, and inclusive education. The students, future EFL teachers, were asked to complete questionnaires, to participate in semi-structured interviews, to write online blog entries based on the discussions/materials covered in class on the topic of multilingualism and multiculturalism in EFL classes, and to express their views, perceptions of, and attitudes towards multilingualism and the multilingual landscape in Cyprus, as well as the teaching methods, approaches, and techniques that could be implemented in linguistically and culturally heterogeneous classes. The analysis of the data showed that the future EFL teachers had a positive attitude towards multilingualism, multiculturalism, and inclusive education and that these aspects should be promoted.