ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
This conceptual paper explores the potential of pedagogical translanguaging as a strategic intervention for Malaysian students exhibiting low performance in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). Despite years of formal English education, many students remain stuck in the "Basic User" category (Bands 1 to 2.5), primarily due to cognitive overload and language anxiety in English-only environments. By synthesizing the core constructs of translanguaging—Inclusivity, Teacher Support, and Perceived Effectiveness—this paper proposes a framework where the students' first language (L1) acts as a scaffold rather than a crutch. The paper argues that a flexible linguistic approach can lower the affective filter, improve comprehension of complex MUET components (particularly Reading and Writing), and ultimately foster greater student engagement.
Adam, S., Lustyantie, N., & Murtadho, F. (2025). Students' Perception of Socio-Affective Impacts of Translanguaging in EFL Classroom. Jurnal Ilmiah Global Education, 6(2), 1108-1115.
Akmar Muhamad Nasir, N., & Ab Rashid, R. (2026a). Bridging the Gaps: Pedagogical Insights and Policy Directions for Inclusive Language Education. In Navigating English Language Education in Malaysia: The Case of Thai-Speaking Minority Pupils (pp. 75-92). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Akmar Muhamad Nasir, N., & Ab Rashid, R. (2026b). Multilingual Realities and Minority Voices: Education in Malaysia’s Diverse Classrooms. In Navigating English Language Education in Malaysia: The Case of Thai-Speaking Minority Pupils (pp. 1-13). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Ben Hammou, S., Saissi, M., & Tritha, A. (2025). L2-French-medium instruction (FMI) in Moroccan secondary education: Benefits, challenges, and the role of translanguaging. SN Social Sciences, 5(7), 83.
Carbonara, V., & Scibetta, A. (2022). Integrating translanguaging pedagogy into Italian primary schools: implications for language practices and children's empowerment. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 25(3), 1049-1069.
Debreli, E. (2026). Translanguaging in ELT Teacher Education in Türkiye: From Policy Silence to Pedagogical Possibilities. International Journal of Applied Linguistics.
Dovchin, S., Wang, M., & Steele, C. (2025). Translingual entanglements of emotions and translanguaging in language learning and teaching contexts. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 35(3), 987-995.
Eren, E. U. (2026). Integrating translanguaging pedagogy in EFL higher education: Student perceptions and implications for teacher education in monolingual contexts. Learning and Instruction, 102, 102297.
Hao, C. K. (2024). A sociolinguistic perspective of English as second language anxiety in Malaysia: from perception to intervention (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nottingham (United Kingdom)).
Memari, M. (2024). Language skills development via translanguaging: A case of EFL context. Teaching English Language, 18(2), 379-406.
Mohammad Sauffi, K., Mohd Sani, M., & Senom, F. (2026). Translanguaging and identity preservation in English language learning: multilinguals’ voices from a Malaysian University. International Journal of Multilingualism, 1-16.
Nasir, N. A. M., Yaacob, N. H., Razaki, M., Arifin, R. M., Ramanan, B., & Ab Razak, C. N. C. (2025). The road to MUET speaking mastery: Addressing common student fears and challenges. Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 10(2), 115-130.
Noh, N. N. M., Hassan, N., Khan, A. B. M. A., Kareema, F., & Ismail, M. (2024). Investigating MUET: The Intended and Unintended Washback Effects on Malaysian Education.
Nwachukwu, E. L., Lazarus, C., Asuzu, C., Ubani, G. A., & Wei, C. R. (2024). Fostering inclusive educational practices through multilingual-oriented pedagogy. International Journal of Asian Education and Psychology, 1(2), 1-12.
Padchonga, N. F., Cosain, S. P., Calil, N. M. A. H., Betwag, A. K. M., & Pelila, J. R. O. (2025). Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Tool in Asia: Roles, Challenges, Opportunities, and Effective Practices. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review, 4(4), 954-967.
Rajendram, S. (2023). Implementing a collaborative translanguaging pedagogy in an elementary ESL classroom in Malaysia through teacher–researcher collaboration. Re) imagining Translanguaging Pedagogies through Teacher-Researcher Collaboration, 41-69.
Shaikh, A. R. (2025). Translanguaging practices in multilingual English language classrooms: Pedagogical implications and learner outcomes. Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning, 3(2), 412-423.
Song, J., Howard, D., & Olazabal-Arias, W. (2022). Translanguaging as a strategy for supporting multilingual learners’ social emotional learning. Education Sciences, 12(7), 475.
Valdez Jr, F. M., & Protacio, A. V. (2025). Translanguaging Practices and Learners’ Engagement, Linguistic and Para-Linguistic Competencies in English. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 10(2), 610172.
Wang, P. (2022). Relooking at the roles of translanguaging in English as a foreign language classes for multilingual learners: Practices and implications. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 850649.
Wei, L. (2022). Translanguaging as a political stance: Implications for English language education. ELT journal, 76(2), 172-182.
Wong, C. Y. (2025). Translanguaging as a Mediator to Motivate, Support, and Engage Students in a Chinese?Medium Instruction Program. International Journal of Applied Linguistics.
Wong, C. Y. C., & Tian, Z. (2025). Maximizing students’ content and language development: The pedagogical potential of translanguaging in a Chinese immersion setting. Learning and Instruction, 95, 102023.
Yasar Yuzlu, M., & Dikilitas, K. (2022). Translanguaging in the development of EFL learners’ foreign language skills in Turkish context. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 16(2), 176-190.
Yusri, N. S., Huzaimi, N. H. A., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2022). Translanguaging in Malaysian ESL classroom: Teachers’ perceptions. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(9), 607-619.
Zaki, N. M. N. M., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2024). Translanguaging in Malaysian secondary schools: ESL teachers’ practices and perceptions. International Journal of Academic Research in Business And Social Sciences, 14(6), 1334-1347.
Jasmine, S., & Soon, G. Y. (2026). Breaking the Monolingual Barrier: A Conceptual Framework for Leveraging Pedagogical Translanguaging to Enhance the Performance of Low-Achieving MUET Candidates in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 16(3), 1692–1706.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode