A Multilingual Perspective on the Diversification of Academic Writing

Book excerpt: This book presents an analysis derived from data collected across South Africa, Brazil, and Switzerland, focusing on multilingual academic writing through translanguaging. Exclusive to university students from these nations, it examines the disparity between thinking in one language and writing in another. Addressing the challenges faced by non-native language writers, it advocates for acknowledging student voices and identities in the decolonization of academic writing. While briefly touching on code-switching, often deemed obsolete, this book reframes it within the context of university-level academic writing across the three countries. Its primary objective is to illustrate how translanguaging, along with voice and identity, can be integrated into writing practices for non-native language speakers. Offering practical strategies for educators, the research reveals student anxieties surrounding identity loss and voice neglect in academic settings. Ultimately, it suggests that accommodating multilingual students can alleviate their writing-related stress, fostering a more inclusive academic environment. Professor Adelia Carstens commended the book for its valuable insights into translanguaging, predicting a favorable reception worldwide.