Beyond Spanish: Exploring Multilingualism in the Classroom.
Abstract
This descriptive study, carried out in public educational institutions in Tuluá, Colombia, aimed to analyse the degree of multilingualism in primary and secondary school students. Using a mixed approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected to characterise linguistic diversity and attitudes towards multilingualism.
Objectives: To analyse the degree of multilingualism in children and adolescents attending public schools in the municipality of Tuluá
Method: The research analyses multilingualism in children and adolescents in Tuluá through a descriptive cross-sectional design. It was approached methodologically from a socio-critical and mixed perspective. A 43-question questionnaire was used to demographically characterise the students and to evaluate language use. A total of 3,791 students from 12 institutions were surveyed, guaranteeing validity and representativeness. The analysis was carried out with quantitative and qualitative tools, using Power BI and Excel for data processing.
Results: The results revealed that, although Spanish is the predominant mother tongue, linguistic diversity is limited and manifested mainly through indigenous languages, which provides opportunities to promote intercultural education or ethno-education. In addition, the presence of foreign languages and a positive attitude towards the learning and use of multiple languages among students were observed. These findings emphasise the need to implement pedagogical strategies that foster interest in linguistic and cultural diversity in the educational sphere, contributing to a more inclusive education that guarantees the preservation of native languages and their ancestral knowledge, as well as access to information through foreign languages. It also highlights the relevance of designing educational policies that recognise and promote the use of multiple languages in the classroom, enriching learning and preparing students for an increasingly globalised world.
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