Submitted by Deborah C. Trejo, Bilingual Parent/Lawyer/Former Bilingual Educator What are Dual Language Programs? Dual language is a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. They are considered “additive” bilingual programs because they “add” a second academic language for students, instead of trying to extinguish a minority language […]
by Ann Benson, Director of Somos Amigos Queridos Padres, Dear Parents, It’s interesting how some parents of young children often stumble, hold back, second-guess, freeze, freak out or quit when it comes to teaching their children a second language. In my case, I speak quite a bit of Spanish. Currently I teach parents and […]
Is the Hype on Bilingualism Valid? Headlines on the benefits of Bilingualism have been prolific over the past few years. Such benefit claims include that bilinguals are better at multitasking, smarter and have better executive functioning.” So, when I heard NPR’s recent segment that highlighted the inconsistencies in the studies examining the benefits of bilingualism, […]
Just as important as how one becomes bilingual is why people become bilingual in the first place. With over half the world’s population being bilingual, let’s stop and ask why are bilinguals bilingual? Of course, research has recently shown us the wonderful cognitive and social benefits of being bilingual; yet most of the world’s bilinguals […]
You are bilingual but your mate is not. You have a baby. Cognizant of the benefits from being bilingual, you vow to raise your child to also be bilingual. During infancy and early toddler hood you speak to your child in your second language when alone and only in the dominant language (English) when engaged […]