Reply to Language Immersion Schools and Reading Levels

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[quote=Anonymous][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 clearly a cognitive difference. 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]

+1.  I'm so tired of having to answer questions from monolingual parents who don't seem to understand the benefits of bilingualism.  It's the "we're all 'mericans, so we only need to speak English"  attitude.  Ugh!!![/quote]Another monolingual here. It gets very tiring explaining to monos why bilingualism is a priorty for our family. People actually treat me like I'm weird because DD is in Spanish immersion. It's gotten so bad that I don't even tell people. I never boasted about it, buit when I'd be talking to other moms about school programs it would come up. Now I just try to avoid talking about it. Sad.[/quote]

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