Arguments for a Translanguaging Approach to the Case of Romanian Diaspora in Spain

Abstract

Cultural diplomacy actions carried out by state institutions, NGOs or diaspora personalities help linguistic diversity to be preserved and homeland cultural values to be safeguarded and conveyed to second generation migrants. The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, a short discussion on how phenomena such as globalisation or migration affect the process of integration of Romanian migrating populations in a (recent) host country like Spain will be presented. On the other hand, several arguments will be put forward advocating a translanguaging approach to the relationship second generations establish with their mother tongue (relegated to the family context) and with their own languages (Spanish and Valencian) used by their teachers, by their media idols and by themselves in almost all aspects of everyday life. A translanguaging approach might help experts understand better this relationship and might help teachers find pedagogical tools to maintain and develop these students’ linguistic and cultural experience and make them regard it as an asset rather than a hindrance.