Forum: Biliteracy Times Read: 4 Date: 05-09-2004 14:38
Author: Ngo, Ana <kingakn@comcast.net>
Subject Bilingual
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For me, being bilingual means recognizing the importance of one's culture and tradition. That is part of an individual's identity. Students who are encouraged by their teachers to be bilingual seem to perform better in school because by showing respect to their students' native language, teachers send messages that says, "You and I are the same. I respect your culture and tradition." Students who are monolingual as a result of discriminatory practices of their teachers or are forced to assimilate the dominant culture and language at the expense of their native language and culture become resentful later in life. Students should be encouraged to be bilingual because knowing their roots will help them appreciate diversity.