Reply to Language Immersion Schools and Reading Levels

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.[/quote]

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students. [/quote]

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is [b]clearly a cognitive difference. [/b]Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.  [/quote]
This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.[/quote]

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context.  I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents.  That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage".  We are both bilingual but neither know the target language.  The only common language in our house is English.  :lol: [/quote]

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