Chapter 12: Bilingualism: Speaking in Many Tongues

In chapter 12 they discuss bilingualism and how it is increasing in the United States. They point out that it is crucial for bilingual students to learn the curriculum as well as the language the curriculum is taught in. The decision that most school districts face is whether to integrate bilingual students into English speaking classrooms or have separate classrooms where they are taught the curriculum in their native language, gradually shifting to English instruction. This really is a tough decision to choose just one since each students' learning style varies.
When I worked retail I would get majority Spanish speakers who would get upset since I was Mexican and did not speak Spanish. I would even get them a Spanish speaker and the customer would end up speaking perfect English to the associate. I never understood this until I had a conversation with a guy who was a Mexican immigrant. He said in school ESL classes taught him how to read and write in English, but he does not feel comfortable speaking it or conversing with people. This made sense because I took two years of Spanish; I can read it and write it, but I feel uncomfortable speaking it because I have always spoken English. So in the book it says it offers cognitive flexibility and versatility, it is true, because they can communicate with a variety of people, providing them with advantages in their jobs. It also would help minorities have higher self-esteem if they learn in a separate classroom and slowly switch to English. This is also beneficial like the book says because they will have greater metalinguistic awareness, understanding the rules of the language better. Overall both sides have their benefits, but either way these native speakers will benefit in the long run.