This paper will try to analyse if bilingualism brings an advantage or if it has to be seen as a drawback. At first, an overview of bilingualism is given., how does it come that people can be bilingual and how the term has been defined by different linguists is depicted. Furthermore, the different theories concerning the best age for learning and models describing the acquisition of language are introduced. Then further emphasis is set upon positive and negative effects of learning two languages. A study, in which the reading competence of monolingual and bilingual pupils has been compared, is depicted and an evaluation of the study is given.
Βilingualism2.
The term “bilingual” has been interpreted and acknowledged differently from various linguists. Webster states that bilingual means “having or using two languages especially as spoken with the fluency characteristic of a native speaker; a person using two languages especially habitually […]” and “bilingualism” as “the constant oral use of two languages”. To be bilingual indicates the ability to speak two languages perfectly. Having a similar opinion, Bloomfield defines bilingualism as “the native-like control of two languages.” Bloomfield also calls those bilinguals who are able to use a second language as well as their natives. In contrast to these positive opinions, other linguists have been of a completely different opinion. For Macnamara, a bilingual is anyone “who possesses a minimal competence in only one of the four language skills, listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, in a language other than his mother tongue.” The depicted opinions are of an extreme that hardly go together. However, the term bilingualism is many faceted and has not only one connotation, positive or negative.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Bilingualism
- 2.1. Reasons for Bilingualism
- 2.2. Sensitive Age Period
- 2.3. Patterns of Acquisition
- 2.3.1. Unitary Language System
- 2.4. How Does the Child Keep the Languages Apart?
- 2.5. Code-Switching
- 3. Bilingualism Advantage or Drawback
- 3.1. Bilingualism as a Handicap
- 3.2. Bilinguals are Better Performers
- 3.3. Research on the Reading Abilities of Mono- and Bilinguals
- 4. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze whether bilingualism is advantageous or disadvantageous. It begins by providing an overview of bilingualism, exploring its definitions and the reasons behind it. The paper then examines theories regarding the optimal age for language acquisition and models describing the language acquisition process. Finally, it delves into the positive and negative effects of bilingualism, referencing a study comparing the reading competence of monolingual and bilingual students.
- Definitions and interpretations of bilingualism
- Factors contributing to bilingualism
- Theories on optimal age for language acquisition
- Comparative analysis of monolingual and bilingual language acquisition patterns
- Potential advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper's central question: Is bilingualism an advantage or a drawback? It outlines the paper's structure, promising to explore various aspects of bilingualism, from its definitions and developmental processes to its potential benefits and drawbacks. The chapter lays the groundwork for a comprehensive analysis by briefly mentioning the topics to be covered in subsequent sections.
2. Bilingualism: This chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of bilingualism, examining various linguists' interpretations of the term. It highlights the range of opinions, from those who define bilingualism as native-like fluency in two languages to those who consider minimal competence in one language sufficient. This diverse perspective establishes the complexity of defining and understanding bilingualism, setting the context for the subsequent exploration of its impacts on language acquisition and cognitive development. The chapter lays the groundwork for discussions in later sections by emphasizing the varied conceptions and interpretations of bilingualism.
2.1. Reasons for bilingualism: This section explores the diverse reasons individuals become bilingual. It highlights various social, political, economic, cultural, and educational factors that contribute to bilingualism. From migration and globalization to the need for professional communication in the context of a globalized world, the chapter demonstrates the various ways in which exposure to multiple languages influences language development. This exploration adds a real-world dimension to the abstract notion of bilingualism, showing it's an outcome of a variety of factors.
2.2. Sensitive Age Period: This section discusses the controversial concept of a "sensitive period" for language acquisition. While some argue that early language learning is crucial for achieving native-like fluency, others disagree, leading to a discussion of conflicting viewpoints on the existence and significance of a critical period for language acquisition. The chapter highlights the ongoing debate and presents arguments from both sides, acknowledging the varying conclusions and perspectives in the field.
2.3. Patterns of Acquisition: This chapter explores the processes through which bilingual children acquire languages, emphasizing the individual variability in language acquisition paths. The concept of a "unitary language system" is introduced, describing an initial stage where a bilingual child may not differentiate between the two languages. The chapter explains different models that illustrate how children eventually differentiate between the two languages, highlighting the developmental stages involved and illustrating how the child moves toward a more refined use of two separate languages.
3. Bilingualism Advantage or Drawback: This chapter examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of bilingualism. It sets the stage for a balanced evaluation by exploring both the potential positive and negative aspects of growing up in a multilingual environment. The chapter implicitly invites a discussion about the overall consequences of bilingualism, laying the foundation for a conclusion about its ultimate effects.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Bilingualism, language acquisition, sensitive period, code-switching, monolingualism, cognitive development, reading abilities, second language learning.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism. It explores various aspects of bilingual language acquisition and development, ultimately aiming to determine whether bilingualism is beneficial or detrimental.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include definitions and interpretations of bilingualism, factors contributing to bilingualism, theories on the optimal age for language acquisition, comparative analysis of monolingual and bilingual language acquisition patterns, and a comprehensive examination of the potential advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism.
What aspects of bilingualism are covered in the paper?
The paper covers a wide range of topics related to bilingualism, including reasons for bilingualism (social, political, economic, cultural, and educational factors), the sensitive period hypothesis for language acquisition, patterns of bilingual language acquisition (including the unitary language system), code-switching, and a comparative analysis of the reading abilities of monolingual and bilingual individuals.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four main chapters: an introduction, a detailed discussion of bilingualism, an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism, and a conclusion. Each chapter is further divided into subsections that delve into specific aspects of bilingualism.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction sets the stage for the paper's central question. Chapter 2 explores the complexities of defining bilingualism and examines various factors contributing to it, including the sensitive period for language acquisition and patterns of acquisition. Chapter 3 examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism, often comparing bilinguals to monolinguals. The conclusion summarizes the findings.
What are some specific aspects discussed within the chapters on bilingualism?
Chapter 2 includes sections on the reasons for bilingualism, the sensitive age period for language acquisition, different patterns of acquisition (including the unitary language system), how children keep languages apart, and code-switching. Chapter 3 focuses on arguments for and against bilingualism and includes a section on research comparing the reading abilities of monolingual and bilingual students.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
The conclusion (Chapter 4) summarizes the findings from the previous chapters, providing a final assessment of whether bilingualism is ultimately advantageous or disadvantageous, based on the evidence presented throughout the paper. The specific conclusion isn't explicitly stated in the provided preview.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords associated with this paper are: Bilingualism, language acquisition, sensitive period, code-switching, monolingualism, cognitive development, reading abilities, and second language learning.
What is the overall aim of this academic paper?
The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis of bilingualism, weighing the evidence for and against its advantages and disadvantages, thereby contributing to a better understanding of bilingual language development and its impact on cognitive abilities.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Annika Lüchau (Autor:in), 2005, Is Bilingualism an Advantage or Drawback, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/43867
