IALLTEACH (Issues In Applied Linguistics & Language Teaching)
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Issues in Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching

Bilingual Teachers’ Competencies in Language Teaching: A Systematic Literature Review

Reni Dwita Putri (State Islamic University of Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau)
Ummi Rasyidah (State Islamic University of Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Jun 2026

Abstract

The increasing diversity of multilingual classrooms has heightened the demand for competent bilingual teachers in language education. This study aimed to systematically review existing literature on bilingual teachers’ competencies in language teaching. A systematic literature review (SLR) following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted for the period 2021–2025 using databases including Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar. A total of 117 records were identified, and following a rigorous screening process, 35 peer-reviewed studies were included in the final synthesis. The findings identified four core competency dimensions: linguistic, communicative and intercultural, cognitive, and bilingual pedagogical competence. Dominant bilingual teaching methods included translanguaging, Content and Language Integrated Learning, structured code-switching, and bilingual scaffolding. Professional development emerged as a critical yet unevenly distributed pillar across educational systems globally  a gap documented consistently across studies from diverse national contexts  encompassing pre-service preparation, reflective practice, and collaborative learning communities. This review concluded that bilingual teacher competence is multidimensional and must be developed holistically. Practically, teacher education institutions are urged to redesign pre-service curricula to incorporate translanguaging pedagogy and intercultural competence, while policymakers should establish evidence-based competency frameworks supported by adequate resources and mentorship structures.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

iallteach

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

The language, be it verbal or non-verbal, has been the primary medium of human interactions to take place. However, there still seems to be a little attempt for a thorough investigations in understanding problematic issues that may emerge because of the language. Issues in Applied Linguistics & ...