Thursday, April 25, 2013

Reflection of Farr and Song's Language Ideologies and Policies: Multilingualism and Education

This text introduced me to plurilingualism. I first interpreted this vocabulary as someone who knows multiple languages, hence the root "plural". However, as I started to read further, it sounds like it is not that similar multilinguals. Multilinguals not only know a different language, but also a different culture. A plurilingual doesn't have to be fluent in a different language, but even knowing a couple words would be considered one.

I used to say "US is becoming such a diverse place" but it's not the case anymore. "US is a diverse place." US being so diverse, classrooms should reflect the society. With classrooms in school being monolingual, it tells future citizens English is the way to a successful future and that other languages are barriers. Deculturation.

In a bilingual classroom, all languages and cultures are assets. This is what really reflects US society: multilingualism and multiculturalism. Acculturation.

旭亨

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