Bilingualism, Bilingual Books, and Blended Identities

Bilingualism provides significant learning and cognitive advantages to students that grow up learning two languages through their home and school environment. These include better understanding of both languages, the structure (syntax) of language in general, cultural pluralism through different perspectives, and preparedness for growing diversity in the United States and the world as a whole.

It’s clear from a global perspective that bilingualism is the norm, with Europe especially having many multilingual people. “In fact, the majority of the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual. In a survey conducted by the European Commission in 2006, 56 percent of respondents reported being able to speak in a language other than their mother tongue. (Marian 2012)” Why is it that multilingualism in the U.S. is limited mostly to those immigrating here and the small percentage of students that enroll in specific multilingual schools or school programs? Surveys show that the majority of people of all ethnic backgrounds support bilingual education programs.

Sadly, social and political beliefs are often the reason that much of the country has rejected multilingualism outside of elective classes. But research shows that there are “clear advantages in school achievement among "fluent bilinguals" as opposed to immigrant children who are "English-dominant" or "limited bilinguals.” The negative impact of policies that seek to promote English fluency at any cost, including the stigmatization and loss of other languages and the sacrifice of valuable linguistic skills, as well as an increasing distance from parents because of the implicit message to children that they are carriers of an inferior culture. (Patterns of Cultural Integration 2017)”

Bilingual books come in many forms, like dual language books, translations of English books, and books that interweave both languages together. These books can be great resources for reinforcing bilingual learning and language skills in the classroom. Teachers have various methods of presenting bilingual books and learning experiences, including classroom read alouds in which students follow along with the words and/or take breaks to discuss each chapter or section of the reading (Semingson, Pole, & Tommerdahl 2015).

From North to South: Del Norte al Sur by Rene Colato Lainez is a great example of a bilingual book with a meaningful story. The book follows Jose and his father as they visit his Mama after she was recently deported. Jose goes through many emotions, from his anticipation of seeing his mother to his joy when he is finally reunited with her at El Centro Madre Assunta in Tijuana, an organization that helps deported women and children. The book’s gentle, flowing artistry by illustrator Joe Cepeda makes the shelter feel welcoming and comforting as Jose and his Mama tend to the garden with the lonesome children staying there.

The experience of reading a bilingual book with students and exploring the language within can be an insightful and unique lesson. Having both languages on the same page provides a wealth of lessons in grammar, syntax, and vocabulary and how these aspects of language compare and contrast between English and Spanish.

References

1. Marian, Viorica, Ph.D., and Anthony Shook. "Cerebrum." The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual. The Dana Foundation, 31 Oct. 2012. Web.
2. "Patterns of Cultural Integration." MoraModules. N.p., 2017. Web.
3. Semingson, Peggy, Ph.D., Kathryn Pole, Ph.D., and Jodi Tommerdahl, Ph.D. "Using Bilingual Books to Enhance Literacy Around the World." European Scientific Journal (2015): 132-39. Web.
4. Laínez, René Colato, and Joe Cepeda. From North to South. New York: Children's Book, an Imprint of Lee & Low, 2010. Print.
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9. Bilingual Program: Academic Content in Two Languages. Edutopia, 19 Aug. 2015. Web.