Abstract
Background:
Translanguaging is “the act performed by bilinguals of accessing different linguistic features or various modes of what are described as autonomous languages in order to maximize communicative potential” (
Skutnabb-Kangas et al., 2009
). Translanguaging can be used as a tool to empower undergraduate nursing students to use their chosen strongest written language for assignments.
Method:
Students in an undergraduate nursing elective course at a large, public urban university could submit specific noncollaborative (solo) assignments in their language.
Results:
Three students in a class section of a total of nine students chose to submit one or more assignments in a language other than English. Students reported that this experience was unique and empowering. The instructor noted a difference in the writing level in the language of choice other than English.
Conclusion:
Nursing educators should consider allowing and/or encouraging students to submit specific written assignments in their chosen language.
[
J Nurs Educ
. 2024;63(X):XXX–XXX.]