PRESENTACIÓN GENIAL

Identifying some bilingualism features

Course: Colombian Education Code: 551035 teacher in training nicol alexandra estupiñan TUTOR: JHONATAN GALINDO

bilingualism is not only english

As a result of globalisation and widespread use of English worldwide, the term ‘bilingüismo’ has acquired a different meaning in the Colombian context. It is used by many . . . to refer almost exclusively to Spanish/English bilingualism. . . . This focus on Spanish/English bilingualism now predominates and the other dimensions of multilingualism and cultural difference in Colombia are often ignored. The existence of other languages in different regions of the country is overlooked, particularly the languages of indigenous Colombian populations. The teaching of other modern languages (e.g. French . . .) has also been undermined by the spread of English and by people’s increasing desire to ‘invest’ in English”

AREAS OF BILINGUALISM AND BILINGUAL EDUCATION

LANGUAGE

ABILITY

PROFICIENCY

SKILL

PERFOMANCE

ACHIVEMENT

COMPETENCE

If a person is asked whether he or she speaks two languages, the question is ambiguous. A person may be able to speak two languages, but tends to speak only one language in practice. Alternatively, the individual may regularly speak two languages, but competence in one language may be limited. Another person will use one language for conversation and another for writing and reading. The essential distinction is therefore between language ability and language use

individual bilingualism and societal bilingualism.

Circumstantial and elective bilingualism.Elective bilingualism is a characteristic of individuals who choose to learn a language, for example in the classroom. Elective bilinguals come from majority language groups (e.g. English-speaking Americans who learn Spanish or French).

multilingualism

We all belong to a series of cultural networks (sub-groups and sub-cultures) even though we have had no contact with another majority or national culture, and we are all therefore necessarily “multicultural”. He defines a bicultural individual as someone who, “participates, at least in part, in the life of two (majority) cultures . . . in a regular fashion”. In addition, this individual knows how to adapt his/her behaviour and attitudes to a particular cultural environment, and can synthesise cultural characteristics from both cultures.

CONCLUSION

It is important to recognize the different languages ​​in each social and cultural context. We need to communicate and share knowledge. There is no language more important than another. It is recognizing the other as being important and being able to communicate.