<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ beliefs about multilingualism at universities in North Macedonia. Multilingualism as a concept is related to an individual’s ability to speak three or more languages. Given the educational and cultural globalization, multilingualism is crucial in many countries in the world. North Macedonia is an excellent example of multilingualism where different cultures live together and learn the languages of each other.
At Universities across the country, teachers face different challenges while teaching multilingual classes. Linguistic competence in many local languages allows students to learn foreign languages easily and thus raises students’ global awareness and deepens knowledge about their future teaching career.
The study analysed data collected from thirty EFL teachers from four different universities, Southeast European University, University of Tetova, Mother Teresa University and International Balkan University in North Macedonia. The research instrument used was the teacher survey which contained five domains: Teachers’ perspective on multilingualism; Students’ language learning knowledge; Language teacher collaboration; Learning materials, and other topics related to L2 learning and teaching.
The study results revealed that teachers view multilingualism as a positive asset for the students, and they expressed that they have developed an approach which helps multilinguals to achieve their learning goals. One area which needs improvement is teacher collaboration, as they tend to collaborate regarding materials and textbooks, however, not willing to share their experience on teaching methods/strategies and challenges faced.
</abstract>

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ beliefs about multilingualism at universities in North Macedonia. Multilingualism as a concept is related to an individual’s ability to speak three or more languages. Given the educational and cultural globalization, multilingualism is crucial in many countries in the world. North Macedonia is an excellent example of multilingualism where different cultures live together and learn the languages of each other.
At Universities across the country, teachers face different challenges while teaching multilingual classes. Linguistic competence in many local languages allows students to learn foreign languages easily and thus raises students’ global awareness and deepens knowledge about their future teaching career.
The study analysed data collected from thirty EFL teachers from four different universities, Southeast European University, University of Tetova, Mother Teresa University and International Balkan University in North Macedonia. The research instrument used was the teacher survey which contained five domains: Teachers’ perspective on multilingualism; Students’ language learning knowledge; Language teacher collaboration; Learning materials, and other topics related to L2 learning and teaching.
The study results revealed that teachers view multilingualism as a positive asset for the students, and they expressed that they have developed an approach which helps multilinguals to achieve their learning goals. One area which needs improvement is teacher collaboration, as they tend to collaborate regarding materials and textbooks, however, not willing to share their experience on teaching methods/strategies and challenges faced.

Teachers’ Beliefs About Multilingualism at Universities in North Macedonia

Full Professor, Faculty of Languages, Cultures and Communication South East European University

Faculty of Languages, Cultures and Communication South East European University

High Lecotr, Language Centre South East European University

SEEU Review

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Teachers\u2019 Beliefs About Multilingualism at Universities in North Macedonia"}

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ beliefs about multilingualism at universities in North Macedonia. Multilingualism as a concept is related to...

Teachers’ Beliefs About Multilingualism at Universities in North Macedonia

Published Online: Jun 28, 2023

Page range: 75 - 91

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2023-0018

Keywords
North Macedonia, multilingualism, Universities, teachers’ beliefs

© 2023 Brikena Xhaferi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Teachers’ Beliefs About Multilingualism at Universities in North Macedonia

Published Online: Jun 28, 2023

Page range: 75 - 91

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2023-0018

KeywordsNorth Macedonia, multilingualism, Universities, teachers’ beliefs

© 2023 Brikena Xhaferi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
North Macedonia, multilingualism, Universities, teachers’ beliefs