Bilingual Children: Guidance for the Family (Multilingual Matters, 3)

Bilingualism -- Establishing Bilingualism In The Family -- Communication In The Family : How It Works -- Departures From Normal Language Choice In The Family -- Influences From Outside The Immediate Family -- Further Possible Problems In Establishing Bilingualism -- Measuring Proficiency In Both Languages -- Biliteracy -- How The Children View Bilingualism -- Other Aids To The Development Of Bilingualism. George Saunders. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. 255-262. Concerns that parents might have about raising their children bilingually are addressed, and a case study of an Australian family pursuing this course over an 8-year period is presented. In addition, relevant research into bilingualism is cited. Bilingualism means having command of two languages, and bilinguals can range from the rare equilingual who is indistinguishable from a native speaker in both languages to the person who has just begun to acquire a second language. This book, which is written for the general reader, includes the following topical areas: (1) factors to consider in determining a bilingual's dominant language; (2) motives for creating bilingualism; (3) infant bilingualism; (4) children's communications strategies; (5) communication with members of the family, animals, and toys; (6) role-playing; (7) storytelling by the parents; (8) code switching and triggering; (9) quotational switching; (10) attitudes of monolingual English-speakers; (11) influences from relatives, friends, playmates; (12) the children and German-English bilinguals; (13) kindergarten and school; (14) use of the "wrong" language; (15) children's reluctance to speak the home language and other possible problems; (16) measuring proficiency in both languages; (17) biliteracy; (18) how the children view bilingualism; and (19) resources in developing bilingualism. Children's acquisition of bilingualism is shown to be something normal, positive, rewarding, and enriching for both children and their parents. (SW) Children's acquisition of bilingualism is shown to be something normal, something positive, which can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both children and their parents. Since the book was written with the general reader in mind, it is composed in a very readable style and has clear, easily understandable explanations of any technical matters. The author aims to allay doubts and fears concerning the raising of bilingual children by drawing on a wide range of research as well as case studies. The text, which is suited to the general reader, stresses that bilingualism is both normal and positive.