Week 7 Chapter 6- Early/Late Development of Bilingualism

It is important in today’s society to bring a second language into a child’s life early.  May students are not given the opportunity to learn a language until later in their education.  U.S students are not proficient due to lack of motivation and opportunity to practice the language with communication.  Second languages are taught for the individual and for societal purposes. Being able to communicate with one another is a reason to learn a second language which also reduces conflict.  Bilingualism is encouraged also for economic reasons, which allows for trading with other countries.

    The United States has fallen behind by not being proficient in foreign languages.  There is a need for languages other than English, to be used in social, economic,, diplomatic and geopolitical areas.  There are many reasons students should be taught another language, such as cultural awareness. With the world as a global village, having the knowledge of a second language allows us to share more information.  Language learning promotes intercultural understanding as well as peace amongst nations.

      Former President Barack Obama, spoke about Bilingualism, and how the educational system needs to get better at teaching other languages.  As he stated, Immigrants should learn English, but we as Americans need to learn other languages as well. It is an embarrassment when individuals come from other countries and are able to speak English, and when we go to their country we are not able to communicate in that particular language.  As America becomes a melting pot, it's important economically for businesses, their employees, and employers to speak a second language. When children learn a second language at an early age they are successful more than those that learn at an older age. Language learning opens up so many doors and opportunities, it gives you power in your identity and status as an individual.

Baker, Colin: Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilinguals (5th edition). Multilingual Matters. Tonawanda, N.Y. 2011. (ISBN: 9781847693556)