Introduction to Bilingualism
Bilingualism is the ability to know and fluently speak two different languages. A similar term monolinguals is used for the people who are able to understand and use multiple languages. It is true that everyone possesses are different set of abilities and some individuals are significantly better at grasping languages than the others. But with the passage of time and growing awareness, educators are incorporating bilingual education system for the benefits that ensue.
With advantages come disadvantages as well. But studies have shown that the benefits to this new system of education considerably overweigh the pitfalls to this situation. Dissertation writing service UK is a great platform to learn in detail about the various aspects of bilingualism with supporting proofs of study and research.
Diving into the concept of bilingual education, it refers to the process adopted in teaching using two languages. For instance many schools in America offer French or Spanish as a second language. They also have teachers who speak purely in those second languages in order to help students attain fluency by comprehension and regular usage.
The introduction of new languages in the education system has had significant impact on cognitive as well as behavioral levels. The effects have grabbed attention of educationists, neurologists and even sociologists.
How Bilingualism Spread over the World
Bilingual Education is becoming increasingly common among various school systems around the globe. To understand how this phenomenon has been impactful it is important to learn where it originated from. There are a myriad of manifestations about the information on this.
Bilingualism traces back to the earliest of times when education did not even exist. Even in those earlier times, there were communities who knew at least one language other than their mother tongue. Knowing a language is not an inborn ability. In fact, it is either taught or learnt from the surrounding native speakers. Some of the literary works of British Dissertation Writers in the UK. On this subject have proven how human interaction has led to the introduction of this ability among individuals.
Most evidences and logical reasoning suggests that bilingualism is a result of interaction between pupils belonging to different communities, speaking different languages. Such as immigrants from around the globe, settled in the United States speak English with fluency. While at home they converse in their native language.
Multiple Languages
When sociologists, educators and neurologists witnessed this situation of people speaking multiple languages, they started to take into notice how it was generally impacting human behavior, societal mindset and how their cognitive skills varied. Interestingly, bilingualism had significant positive impacts on the society as a whole. Moreover, it was beneficial for the non-native people in the sense that they were recognized and accepted for where they came from. Language perhaps is the only identification one has when they move to a different community.
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Bilingualism Becoming a Part of School Curriculum
Globalization is also one of the key factors that has driven bilingualism. Movements of humans from one place to another in search of opportunities and business expansion, fueled the process of bilingualism and made it even more popular.
In the past few decades, education system have started to integrate new teaching methods and techniques in order to boost the learning process and bring in more convenience in education. Like the introduction of technology to aid students. And teachers have been quite beneficial and has resulted in better outcomes as well.
Similarly, researchers also studied how bilingualism education has impacted learning processes and the social phenomenon. With more international students joining the schools and colleges, educators now hire international teachers or professionals who speak language other than English.
Characteristics of Effective Bilingual Education System
Productive bilingual educational programs realize the skills and talents children bring to the school and then build upon them. They are formed with the objective that these programs are appropriate for learners culturally, developmentally and linguistically. Here are some main features of a good program
- Well defined programmatic goals
- Instructions available through native language
- Parental/Guardian Involvement
- Trained and language Professional Personnel
- Adequate resources and assistance from teachers
- Regular monitoring of students’ progress
Major Advantages of Bilingual Systems
Like any other situation, bilingualism has a set of pros and cons as well that should not be overlooked to learn about its significance. First and most importantly, being bilingual evidently boosts cognitive development in students. Studies show that individuals who know various languages are comparatively more creative than the monolinguals. They also recognize patterns and sequential order very well and excel at problem solving. Since it is a cognitive skill, it helps them in viewing things from different angles and perspectives. It is believed that young children tend to learn multiple languages faster than adults. So why not make them benefit from it!
Secondly, communication in different languages enables improved comprehension and differentiation skills. They are always learning new words, though some of them may have the same meaning. But it teaches them the proper usage in the right context. They do not require multiple reading attempts to understand something. Just one read could be sufficient for comprehension of the text.
Thirdly, one of the most significant benefit to bilingualism is improved memory. Since they are constantly switching from one language to another, their memories sharpen and that’s how they only need one glance, or listen once to engrave things in their mind. They become sharp and pick quickly.
Language benefit
Moreover, bilinguals with their language benefit, open doors of opportunity in cross border countries. In this rapidly evolving world, companies now prefer candidates who know at least one more language in order to remove communication barriers while running businesses off shore. It gives them a competitive edge over their monolingual counterparts.
Lastly, bilingualism in education system, teaches students acceptance of diversity and respect for other cultures and ethnicities from a very young age. Whatever taught at the early stages stays with the person longer than teachings in the later years of life. This ensures peace and harmony among communities.
Bilingual Education: A Necessity of This Time
There is no place on this globe that uses only one language and follows a single culture. Every place has people belonging to different ethnic groups and has become mix cultured. For educational, societal and economic excellence it is necessary to learn other languages as well. Ability to communicate in multiple (or at least two) languages has become a basic requirement of mass communication and global interdependence. Therefore, bilingual education is essential to attain success and maintain peace and harmony.