Value of Bilingual Programs

In her article, "Bilingualism/Multilingualism and Language Acquisition Theories" in the Exchange Essential: Supporting Language Diversity,  Evienia Papadaki-D'Onofrio observes...

"Although most of the educational research regarding bilingual learners tends to focus on the years of formal education, well-organised early childhood bi-multilingual programs can make an enormous contribution towards preparing bilingual children for academic success and bilingual proficiency in the years to come.  Early childhood bilingual programs should not be seen as early assimilation programs, which only aim at the transition of bilingual earners to the mainstream monolingual program.  Bilingual programs should be available for all children, be it bilingual or monolingual.  Bilingual programs value linguistic and cultural diversity and promote a strong self-concept with positive feelings about ethnic identity."

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