This text provides an overview of bi- and multilingualism as a worldwide phenomenon. It features comprehensive discussions of many of the linguistic, social, political, and educational issues found in an increasingly multilingual nation and world. To this end, the book takes the Chicano-Latino community of Southern California, where Spanish-English bilingualism has over a century and a half of history, and presents a detailed case study, thereby situating the community in a much broader social context. Spanish is the second most-widely spoken language in the U.S. after English, yet, for the most part, its speakers form a language minority that essentially lacks the social, political, and educational support necessary to derive the many cognitive, socioeconomic, and educational benefits that proficient bilingualism can provide. The issues facing Spanish-English bilinguals in the Los Angeles area are relevant to nearly every bi- and multilingual community irrespective of nation, language, and/or ethnicity.

How can Americans make our country stronger, kinder, smarter? By marshaling our enviable can-do ethic and learning another language. We can do it, no matter what our age: author Steve Leveen chose Spanish as his adopted language in midlife. America's Bilingual Century is filled with tips for learning a language, some mechanical--like changing your phone and laptop settings to your adopted language--and some philosophical. For instance, start by having a place in your life where you'll use the language, Steve says. The "where" makes the "how" more attainable. And recognize that, as with any adoption, you do it for love, and for life--so don't fret when you're not fluent in five months. If you have kids, start them young. You'll be glad you did when you read about the explosive growth of dual language schools across the country and the significant, measurable advantages they give our young people. Steve also takes us to the top summer language immersion camps, for both children and adults. And he shares his findings from leading language scholars, teachers, sociolinguists, app creators, and bilinguals of all stripes that he discovered during his dozen years of research. Then he topples 12 myths about Americans and languages that no longer hold in this century. Like thinking the whole world speaks English (it doesn't), that being monolingual is natural (it isn't), and that Americans suck at language (quite the opposite, as he demonstrates). Here and now in the 21st century, America is embracing its many ethnic and cultural heritages. How natural, then, that we enfold the many languages that these heritages thrive on as part of that quintessentially American pursuit of happiness. If you've never thought of bilingualism as being a patriotic act, America's Bilingual Century may persuade you otherwise. Knowing a second language changes the way we perceive the world, and the way the world perceives us. "English is what unites us," Steve says. "Our other languages are what define and strengthen us." And even if becoming bilingual leans more toward aspiration than arrival, that's okay. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.

This book traces a history of bilingual education in the US, unveiling the role of politics in policy development and implementation. It introduces readers to past systemic supports for creation of diverse bilingual educational programs and situates particular instances and phases of expansion and decline within related sociopolitical backdrops.

Scientific Essay from the year 2008 in the subject English - Applied Geography, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin, course: Oral and Writing Skills, language: English, abstract: On the introductory historical basis, the role of bilingual education, with focus on English as a second language for Hispanic children in school, will be presented in this paper. After a theoretical introduction, I examine the arguments for and against the bilingual education by balancing previous research on this issue. Then I will analyze the problems in this field and the language legislation in the US. For a better understanding of the importance of bilingualism in the US, I will refer to the interest groups, the differences between the states, and to the issue of identity. To conclude, I will focus on English and Spanish as world languages and try an outlook on the future of the multicultural US.

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2013 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Linguistik, Note: 2,3, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In this seminar paper, the focus will lay on bilingual education in the USA. First of all, the differentiation between monolingualism, bilingualism and multilingualism will be made clear to understand the wideness of this topic. At this point, it has to be considered that even the term bilingualism can be diverse in its meaning due to the fact that it can refer to an individual or a society being bilingual. (cf. Aronin/ Hufeisen 2009: 13) This phenomenon will be explained in the next chapter. Furthermore it is important to have a look on the history of bilingual education itself. In this paper, history of bilingual education will start around the 1700s. It is the point in history when first appearance of bilingualism is documented. Certainly, even earlier, bilingualism might be pointed out but this period is crucial for the development of bilingualism in America which is important for this paper. In the next chapter, the focus will lay on bilingual education, the actual topic. Here, not only forms will be explained but also critics and problems will be pointed out due to the fact that bilingual education was not always successful because of various reasons which were explained in the history part, then. The fifth chapter deals with Latinos in the U.S. and especially with their opportunity to receive bilingual education. A closer examination will be made, then, on Latinos in Wisconsin and why the offer on bilingual education for them is so various. Finally, to prove the facts that will be claimed, an example will be given. The Madison Metropolitan School District will be introduced with its programs for English Language Learners and especially one Elementary school in the District. Before the conclusion with a summary and the answer of the opening question finishes the paper, the success of the bilingual programs of the school and the school district will be shown.

This text presents an interdisciplinary perspective on Spanish speakers in the US, looking at how language and culture are intertwined. It explores attitudes about Spanish and its speakers; how Spanish and English are used in a variety of US contexts; how Spanish has changed through its contact with English and the education of Latin@s in the U.S. school system.