Students’ Perspectives and Attitudes Toward EMI and Translanguaging: A Cross‐Country Comparative Study of China and Spain

ABSTRACT English‐medium instruction (EMI) is expanding worldwide, with China and Spain playing an increasingly active role in its implementation. While EMI promotes internationalization and academic development, few studies compare contexts across countries. Drawing on interview data, this qualitative study examines students’ attitudes toward EMI and translanguaging in China and Spain. Findings reveal generally positive views of EMI, though Chinese students faced more difficulties due to lower English proficiency. Both groups showed neutral‐to‐positive attitudes toward translanguaging but preferred limited L1 use. Chinese participants were stricter about avoiding L1 to improve English. The study offers implications for adopting flexible, inclusive language policies that enhance learning and promote linguistic equity in multilingual EMI settings.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ijal.70056
Primary Topic
Second Language Learning and Teaching
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Students’ Perspectives and Attitudes Toward EMI and Translanguaging: A Cross‐Country Comparative Study of China and Spain

Mengjia Zhang, Jennifer Ament
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Second Language Learning and Teaching
article

Students’ Perspectives and Attitudes Toward EMI and Translanguaging: A Cross‐Country Comparative Study of China and Spain

Mengjia Zhang, Jennifer Ament
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT English‐medium instruction (EMI) is expanding worldwide, with China and Spain playing an increasingly active role in its implementation. While EMI promotes internationalization and academic development, few studies compare contexts across countries. Drawing on interview data, this qualitative study examines students’ attitudes toward EMI and translanguaging in China and Spain. Findings reveal generally positive views of EMI, though Chinese students faced more difficulties due to lower English proficiency. Both groups showed neutral‐to‐positive attitudes toward translanguaging but preferred limited L1 use. Chinese participants were stricter about avoiding L1 to improve English. The study offers implications for adopting flexible, inclusive language policies that enhance learning and promote linguistic equity in multilingual EMI settings.

International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ES), Xi'an International Studies University (CN), Xi’an International University (CN)
Education Department of Shaanxi Province
Openalex Percentile: Top 64%
Second Language Learning and Teaching
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.