Myths About Bilingualism
Children should learn a language completely first before starting to learn another - false! Old research backs up this claim and actually, children who learn two languages in a positive environment learn them both --- and well. But yet those who learn it in a stressful and negative environment will have linguistic difficulties between the two.
Bilingual individuals are schizophrenic, or have split personalities - this is also not correct. Yet some bilinguals do report feeling "differently" when speaking in another language, this is because they simultaneously are conforming to different cultural standards. The shift in language also causes a shift in the expectations and norms of that culture.
An additional language cannot be learned after young age --- which is a false statement. Though it is true that languages are easier to learn when one is young, however a language can be learned at any age. It is better to start a child off as bilingual than wait till later in life to introduce the 2nd language to him, though it can be done.
Learning two languages is confusing and lowers children's IQ --- this is incorrect and based on obsolete research. The research conducted in the United States seems to indicate this since the bilingual children were immigrants with less knowledge of English. Bilinguals are actually better at linguistics and reading than their monolingual relatives.
Real bilinguals never blend their languages. Those who do are not real bilinguals --- false. Though sometimes bilinguals do tend to merge their languages, usually it is not because they are confused, but not being able to differ between the languages. "Code-switching" may happen often which is when grammar from another language is leaked into another. This does not turn out to be a severe problem.
Bilinguals can only think in one language and translate from their weaker to the stronger language --- this is a false belief. Bilinguals can actually think in both languages and do not think in one only.
A child who learns two languages simultaneously will feel as if they are stuck between two different cultures --- false. Identity problems do not arise though people are forced to identify with different languages and the groups who speak them. Most people can identify with both of their cultures.
Published by Fabienne Hernandaise
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4 Comments
Post a CommentA multi-lingual myself, I can relate to your article, HOWEVER, your insisting that a statement being false, does not make it so. Please back up your info with research links. Thanks
Another fine article. I started studying Spanish seriously after the age of 30. Becoming a music fan has really helped. First I was on the tejano bandwagon, then a couple of metalero bands. Now I listen to duranguense and norteno too. For example, I printed some lyrics from a Conjunto Primavera CD and sang along with my new tape. I put a backslash between pauses. My singing is pretty good, but most importantly, it helps my Spanish and asthma!
Michigan recently added a language requirement for HS grads. I attended some of the preliminary meetings and was AMAZED at the ignorance of the school (district) superintendents in attendance. Many of them pooh-pooh'd the idea, due to the cost of the instructors. Learning a second language improves your written, verbal, and grammar skills in English. I remember folks saying that Americans can't learn a second language well, because we don't start early enough. Actually I have a friend who makes his living off his knowledge in three separate languages, in addition to English. AND, he wasn't able to take two of them until college. It's never too late to start, and language/linguistics is a great skill. Very well researched and interesting article! Kim
True, true, true!! Excellent article!