From: Pablo Chavajay
Submit: Post Message
Date: 31 Oct 1996
Time: 23:23:41
Annie,
You raise a very controversial issue especially in the field of education. From my perspective, it is important for kids who speak very little english to listen to and converse with others in english. However, at the same time, it is also important for them to listen to and talk with others in spanish. Opportunities to speak both languages (especially in the context of on-going activities -- as opposed to for example in school in foreign language classes) may help children build their self-confidence in their language learning and contribute to demonstrating the value of multiple languages (including their native language). To me, it doesn't seem to be a matter of using one or the other language, but instead a question of how the two languages support one another so that kids learn both english and spanish, and why it may be important to learn both as one grows up and participates in multicultural settings. What do you (and others) think?
Pablo