Bilingualism Tonja L. Root Early Childhood & Reading Education Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 31698

Bilingualism: 1990 Census Figures n 31.8 million people speak 329 different languages. n Most common foreign language is Spanish. n Spanish is spoken by 17 million; 54% do not speak English at home.

Cultural Awareness n Not presenting contribution of each culture in isolation n Understanding the interaction of contributions of various cultures n Making cultural connections n Understanding that each has a culture that is part of our being

Cultural Differences: Metaphors 1 Melting pot n 19th & 20th centuries n Acculturation: acquiring the culture from a geographic area, not maintaining own culture n Ethnic groups assimilating to form one culture

Cultural Differences: Metaphors 2 Stew or Salad n Allowed individuals to dictate which culture qualities should be chosen to be part of it n Elitism promoted destruction of cultural pride, encourages discrimination & prejudice n Did not recognize need for pluralism & enculturation

Cultural Differences: Metaphors 3 National fabric or Tapestry n Respect & acceptance of all diversities n Makes all a part of this nation n Allows for appreciation & interaction of cultures n Allows for cultural assimilation & own cultural identity

Bilingual Education Programs n Bilingual classroom: ESL instruction & instruction in native language n ESL program: ESL class & mainstreamed into general education classes *Exit: LPL (lang. prof. level) test

Difficulties for Bilingual Learning n Takes 5-7 yrs. to acquire English to perform successfully in academic areas n Vocabulary development needed

Strategies n Use journal writing: prior know- ledge, new concepts, miscon- ceptions, metacognition of learn- ing & problems, feelings & emotions. n Cooperative learning n Language experience approach n Sustained silent reading