Tianyi Zheng

Research Topic: Enhancing English language learning among ethnic Korean children in China: An intervention study using translanguaging pedagogy

Supervisor: Prof. Ianthi M.Tsimpli

Tianyi is a PhD student in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on language and literacy development in multilingual children, language teaching and assessment in multilingual education, and the relationship between multilingualism and cognitive development.

She is particularly concerned with how translanguaging pedagogy engages learners’ full linguistic repertoire to support learning and promote more equitable educational opportunities and learner engagement.

Tianyi holds an MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (Distinction) from the University of Oxford and an MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Distinction) from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.  Prior to her PhD, she was a research assistant at the School of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Conference presentations

Zheng, T. & Tsimpli, I. (2025). Impact of pedagogical translanguaging on third language acquisition: Insights from an intervention study with Korean-Chinese children learning English. Paper presented at the 15th International Symposium on Bilingualism (ISB15), Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain.

Zheng, T. & Tsimpli, I. (2025). The role of heritage language in foreign language teaching and learning: Boosting minority children’s learning outcomes through bilingual competence. Paper presented at the Bilingualism Matters Symposium 2025, Edinburgh, UK.

Zheng, T. & Tsimpli, I. (2024). Optimising L3 vocabulary acquisition: Do children benefit from instruction in both their L1 and L2? Poster presented at the Cambridge Language Sciences (CLS) Annual Symposium 2024, Cambridge, UK.

Zheng, T. & Tsimpli, I. (2023). Enhancing English language teaching in China’s ethnic minority schools: A practical guide to transforming pedagogical practices with learners’ languages. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Language and Education, Bangkok, Thailand.

Zheng, T. (2021). Translating theory into practice: An evidence-based framework for the implementation of pedagogical translanguaging in multilingual classrooms. Paper presented at the NALDIC 29 Conference 2021, Oxford, UK (Online).

Zheng, T. (2018). Chinese-English code-switching in oral narratives: A case study of Xiaosong Pedia. Paper presented at the 16th Asia TEFL, 1st MAAL & 6th HALL 2018 International Conference, Macau, China.