Supporting Non-Native English Speakers

Enable students to demonstrate content knowledge in their native language, with automatic translation for instructor review.

When to Use This Feature

For students taking non-language courses (math, science, history, etc.) where:

English is not their first language
Language barrier affects their ability to express understanding
You want to assess content knowledge, not English proficiency
Student would benefit from responding in native language

Enabling for All Students (Per-Viva)

In Step 3: Viva Configuration

Navigate to "Language Settings"
Keep "Viva Language" as English (default)
Check "Allow student language override"
Check "Auto-translate to English for review"
Save and continue

Now any student can choose their language at the start of the viva.

Enabling for Specific Students (Accommodation)

Setting Permanent Accommodation

Navigate to student profile
Click "Manage Accommodations"
Find language settings
Check "Allow non-English responses"
Check "Auto-translate to English" (recommended)
Check "Make Permanent"
Save

This student can now use their language in all vivas across your classes, even if you don't enable it per-viva.

Student Workflow

Selecting Language

Student reaches setup screen
Sees "Change Language" option (if enabled)
Clicks to select their preferred language
Chooses from dropdown (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic)
Language applies to this viva only (or can set in account settings)

During the Viva

Questions display in their chosen language
TTS reads questions in their language with native pronunciation
Context cards may show in their language (if translated)
Student speaks their answer in their native language
Feels natural and comfortable

Behind the Scenes

Student's audio recorded as normal
Azure Speech Services transcribes in their language
Azure Translator converts transcript to English
Both original and translated versions stored
You see English translation during review

Instructor Review Experience

What You See

Video/audio (in student's language)
English translation of transcript (primary view)
Toggle to see original language transcript
Both versions available side-by-side

Grading Non-Native Responses

Focus on content, not language:

Use the English translation for understanding
Grade based on conceptual understanding
Don't penalize for translation awkwardness
Look for key concepts, not perfect phrasing
Terminology tracking still works (matches in either language)

Translation Quality Considerations

What Translates Well

Concrete concepts and facts
Technical terminology (usually consistent)
Straightforward explanations
Step-by-step reasoning

What May Be Challenging

Idiomatic expressions
Cultural references
Humor or sarcasm
Highly nuanced arguments

Be Generous with Translation Issues

If a translated response seems awkward but the original makes sense, give credit for the understanding. The goal is to assess knowledge, not English fluency.

Best Practices

For Instructors

Set language accommodation as permanent for multilingual students
Write questions in clear, simple English (translates better)
Avoid idiomatic expressions in questions
Focus rubric on content understanding, not language quality
Toggle to original language if translation seems off
Consult with bilingual TAs if available
Test with one or two students before enabling for all

For Students

Request language accommodation early in semester
Set preferred language in account settings
Use practice viva to test language switching
Speak clearly in your native language
Use formal academic language, not casual speech
Understand that translation may lose some nuance

Common Scenarios

International Student in Science Course

Student more comfortable in Mandarin
Instructor sets permanent language accommodation
Student takes vivas in Mandarin with auto-translate
Instructor reviews English translations
Grades based on scientific understanding

Multilingual Classroom

Enable language override for all in Step 3
Students choose their own languages
All translations provided to instructor
Levels the playing field

Bilingual Instructor

If you speak the student's language
Can review both original and translation
Catch nuances machine translation misses
Provide feedback in student's language

Limitations & Considerations

Not a Replacement for Language Support

Machine translation is a tool, not a perfect solution
Students should still work on English proficiency
Use as accommodation, not permanent crutch
Encourage ESL support services

Technical Terminology

Some technical terms don't translate perfectly
Students may mix English technical terms into native language
This is normal and acceptable
Focus on overall comprehension

Accessibility Benefits

Multilingual support provides significant accessibility benefits:

Reduces cognitive load for non-native speakers
Allows clearer expression of complex ideas
Reduces anxiety about language mistakes
Enables fair assessment of content knowledge
Supports diverse, international student bodies