| Language and Literacy |
Language Demands of a Globalized World
Bilingualism, multilingualism, and linguistic dexterity are skills for an increasingly globalized world, maintains Professor Marjorie Faulstich Orellana, ones that should be seen as assets for students. Writing for her blog, Professor Orellana addresses some of the issues surrounding English Language Learners and language education.
Bilingual youth are regularly labeled "English Language Learners" or "Limited English Proficient," and educators often focus on |
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the challenges these students face in learning English. But in her essay, "Valuing Both Breadth and Depth in Language Education," Professor Orellana suggests that dual language speakers may cultivate flexibility and versatility with language that enables them to communicate subtle shades of meaning that schools themselves should value.
Underscoring her argument in "Bilingual Youth: Language Demands of a Globalized World," Professor Orellana asserts that these students should really be recognized for the assets they offer: "These kids possess skills that are of great value in an increasingly globalized and intercultural world: the ability to talk to and mediate between speakers of different languages and people from different cultures. Moreover, these skills are not just of value for living in such a world, but for creating the kind of world that I, for one, hope to see."
Says Professor Orellana, "Schools could – and should – help all kids to develop high levels of expertise in using language in a variety of forms and formats, genres and styles, so that they will be effective communicators in the multi-modal and intercultural future that is already here."
Join in a discussion on these issues and other related topics with Professor Orellana by visiting her WordPress blog, "MarjorieFaulstichOrellana."
Also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, Professor Orellana addresses issues related to immigration, bilingual education, language, literacy, race, and gender, as well as others. More information is also available through MarjorieFaustichOrellana.com.
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