Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that "Bilingual/Bilingue" by Rhina Espaillat is a depiction of a girl growing up in a Spanish speaking household in the United States. The writer notes that through excellent language choices and the successful use of literary devices, Espaillat captures the difficulties of living in an English speaking country while coming from a Spanish speaking home. The writer describes that "Bilingual/Bilingue" is a personal account of the realities of bilingualism, and shows how it is possible to overcome language and cultural barriers to learn a second language. The writer concludes that real life examples and the girl in "Bilingual/Bilingue" both show that the original language remains a part of one's culture and identity and that language barriers are an obstacle, but not a permanent one.

From the Paper
"It is out of this fear that he resists English in the household, but his daughter, who studies English extensively in and outside of the house on her own, comes to become more than proficient in English. She realizes what her father does not, that language is not a divisive force, and that she can express herself fully in English, her second language. Thus Espaillat is writing on the success people can achieve in learning and living in the United States as a bilingual individual. Language will not divide her from her father, and she can become a successful English poet growing up in a Spanish household. The cultural and linguistic challenges she faced she was able to overcome."
"Espaillat's perspective on the issue of bilingualism individually and as a society is backed up by both empirical and qualitative research. In fact, although Espaillat's childhood experience was many years ago in the 1930s, issues she faced and issues she overcame are relevant to this day. For instance, a 2007 study on bilingual Latino and Latina adolescents evaluated the role of the Spanish language and bilingualism for both gifted and non-gifted students. This study found that for these bilingual students, regardless of level of academic achievement, that Spanish was their native language."

Tags:English, Spanish, second, language, learning

Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that 'Bilingual/Bilingue', by Rhina Espaillat is an invitation into a young girl's world as she grows up in a Spanish household, yet in an English speaking country. The writer notes that carefully weaving English with Spanish words for emphasis, Espaillat paints a picture of a girl forced to speak Spanish while yearning for English. The truth of the matter is that one cannot force a language out of one's heart, and even though the young girl is forced to speak Spanish in her home, her English words are just as meaningful as her Spanish. The writer maintains that 'Bilingual/Bilingue' is a statement on the flaws of forcing a native language upon someone, or perhaps of excluding a language from someone's life, as in the end it is what is in one's heart that is the true meaning of the language.

From the Paper
"With the problem established, the fourth stanza quotes the father as to what he is intends to do about the problem. He insists for his daughter to speak English outside the home and Spanish within. By maintaining that Spanish be spoken at home, the father is attempting to remain a part of his daughter's life as a Spanish speaker himself. He does not want English coming into his home and have a language barrier between himself and his daughter and establishes the rule. This division of the two languages, however, to the daughter is like dividing her world in two as Spanish and English are both important to her and what follows in the poem is a reaction to the rule her father has established."

Tags:Spanish, English, native, language

Abstract
This paper investigates bilingual educational, and evidence that both supports and undermines specific didactic methods. Problems with bilingual education are also be addressed. Special attention is paid to bilingual immersion as a language acquisition tool, and is compared with other bilingual education methods. Additionally, the discussion addresses key issues regarding the failures and problems in bilingual education in the state of California.

Methods in Bilingual Education
Problems and Failures in Bilingual Education
Conclusions

From the Paper
"There is significant need for effective methods in the teaching of America's growing number of English learners, students who must learn English as a second language. Estimates cite 4.6 million English learners in American public schools in 2000-2001 (Rodriguez, & Higgins 2005). Immense effort and research has addressed this problem, yet many students still struggle. The current status of English learner debate centers on the positive and negative aspects of bilingual programs versus programs that do not use a student's native language in instruction. To be considered a bilingual program, a method must incorporate both the English language and native language of the student into the school instruction. Bilingual programs come in many forms, with varying levels of native language use and English use. Depending on implementation methods and structure, bilingual programs also have varying levels of success."

Tags:Bilingual, education, Hispanics, United, States, elementary, education

Abstract
This is a position paper on the advantages of bilingual education. The different educational models of bilingual education are looked at, as well as the opportunities provided by bilingual education to students with limited English proficiency. The paper also examines the controversy surrounding bilingual education.

From the Paper
"Bilingual education programs have been a fixture in the American public education system for many decades. However an enormous amount of controversy surrounds bilingual education which includes a variety of different educational ..."

Tags:bilingual education

Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that bilingual education has become increasingly accepted as a necessary part of today's educational culture. The writer examines both the benefits and deficiencies of bilingual education. The paper is also used to present some discussion on the ability to assess success in a bilingual education program.

From the Paper
"Evidence of benefits do exist for bilingual education, including increased student self-esteem, improved sociocultural understanding, and reading and writing proficiency in both the students' original language and their adopted English language. However, evidence also exists that bilingual education does not work for many students. Commonly discussed deficiencies in bilingual education include a lack of English proficiency at graduation, the failure to transition from the student's native tongue to English, and the inability to provide "authentic" bilingual education to students from a variety of cultures."

Tags:bilingual, education, benefits

Abstract
This paper discusses the pros of bilingual education in New York public schools. As part of the discussion, the paper examines the following four language programs available in New York: two-way bilingual education, transitional bilingual education, English as a Second Language (ESL) and English immersion program.

From the Paper
"Over the last five years, educators in the New York City public school system have begun to acknowledge the need for schools to offer increased program choice for the wide variety of English Language Learners (ELLs) entering the New York City public school system. Current language programs in New York can be classified under four categories: two-way bilingual programs, transitional bilingual education, English as a Second Language (ESL) and English immersion programs. Due to the shortage of funding and qualified teachers the majority of ELLs has..."

Tags:Bilingual, Education

Abstract
Infants and very small children are extremely receptive of almost all forms of learning. For many years, it was the practice to begin foreign language training at the high school level. However, research suggests that children who begin bilingual education at the pre-school level are the most effective language learners. This paper explains that the myths of dual language acquisition have largely been found to be false: learning more than one language does not lead to confusion or disorders in the learner. The paper also discusses the benefits that occur when bilingual education is begun at a very early age.

Tags:bilingual, language, teach

Abstract
This paper summarizes the rationale behind the investigators' research presented in the article "Bilingual Language Processing" as well as the research outcome and the investigators' conclusions on how bilingual subjects process language. The paper also points out some concerns over the methodology employed and how future studies might be able to avoid these (e.g. concerns over sample size, devices used, etc.).

From the Paper
"The investigators in the study "Shared and separate systems in bilingual language processing: Converging evidence from eye tracking and brain imaging" sought to prove that initial parallel processing of language occurs in bilinguals, only to later on default to processing in discrete cortical centers (Marian, Spivey & Hirsch, 2002). This article tackles two distinct concerns regarding language processing in bilinguals: the first being whether one or both languages were [simultaneously] processed and whether discrete cortical regions existed for each language or shared common regions within such areas as the inferior frontal gyrus (ibid.). According to their review of literature, the question of whether parallel processing versus "serial" processing, wherein the lexicon not utilized is shut off in favor of the other, remained unresolved..."

Tags:linguistics, bilingual, critique

Abstract
Fierce debate rages in the U.S.A. today over the issue of bilingual education, as opposed to English immersion education. Research quickly reveals that there is a vast quantity of conflicting evidence on the issue. This paper evaluates the arguments in favor of each, and shows that in fact bilingual education is preferable. It shows that arguments such as the fact that English immersion is more successful, or more desired by parents, are not conclusively substantiated by research.

Tags:education, bilingual, usa

Abstract
This paper looks at the issue of bilingual education for Hispanic students in the U.S. The paper discusses key theoretical concepts underlying bilingual education and explains why traditional teaching approaches are not the most appropriate for Hispanic students.

From the Paper
"In this chapter the provision of bilingual education to Hispanic students in the US will be explored from conceptual and empirical perspectives. More specifically, the key theoretical concepts underlying bilingual education programs and secondary language acquisition will be discussed. The examination of these concepts offers the premises underlying the idealized conception of bilingual education which can be used as a baseline for comparison with the actual reality. The reasons underlying the ineffectiveness of many bilingual education programs will also be explored. At the same time the..."

Tags:Hispanic, Students, Bilingual, Education, United, States