Rodriguez, “Aria;” Collier, “Teaching Multilingual Children
Quotes:
1.) "The odd truth is that my first-grade classmates could have become bilingual, in the conventional sense of that word, more easily than I. Had they been taught (as upper middle-class children are often taught early) a second language like Spanish or French, they could have regarded it simply as that: another public language."
The author uses this quote to almost emphasize the importance of a secondary language in teaching. Not only does it make those who speak the binary language more comfortable in the class room it also can contribute to the overall education of the group. I can relate to this fact in a sense because going through the Middletown public school system I saw many military families come and go through the years. The kids that spoke a different language always seemed scared and excused. My schools offered a secondary language course but it was not required. I do believe however it could have helped some of the transfer students in their early transitions into our school system.
2.) "Be aware that children use first language acquisition strategies for learning or acquiring a second language"
The author is stating how we use our knowledge of our primary language as a stepping stone for secondary language. This is so true, when learning a second language kid always look for words that sound similar or look similar in order to learn sounds pronunciation or spelling differentials. https://www.educationcorner.com/k12-bilingual-education.html
3.) "My father continued to use the word gringo. But it was no longer charged with the old bitterness or distrust. (Stripped of any emotional content, the word simply became a name for those Americans not of Hispanic descent.) Hearing him, sometimes, I wasn't sure if he was pronouncing the Spanish word or saying gringo in English."
His statement here kind of shows us how his family is losing their heritage to some extent. They are conforming more to the american ideal that they should be more like americans. I personally don't like this. Growing up my father and grandparents spoke portuguese to each other. My brother and I never picked up the language which I regret. My school didn't offer a portuguese class so I learned Spanish so I can semi converse with my grandparent or at the very least they can talk in portuguese and I can somewhat understand them.
Quotes:
1.) "The odd truth is that my first-grade classmates could have become bilingual, in the conventional sense of that word, more easily than I. Had they been taught (as upper middle-class children are often taught early) a second language like Spanish or French, they could have regarded it simply as that: another public language."
The author uses this quote to almost emphasize the importance of a secondary language in teaching. Not only does it make those who speak the binary language more comfortable in the class room it also can contribute to the overall education of the group. I can relate to this fact in a sense because going through the Middletown public school system I saw many military families come and go through the years. The kids that spoke a different language always seemed scared and excused. My schools offered a secondary language course but it was not required. I do believe however it could have helped some of the transfer students in their early transitions into our school system.
2.) "Be aware that children use first language acquisition strategies for learning or acquiring a second language"
The author is stating how we use our knowledge of our primary language as a stepping stone for secondary language. This is so true, when learning a second language kid always look for words that sound similar or look similar in order to learn sounds pronunciation or spelling differentials. https://www.educationcorner.com/k12-bilingual-education.html
3.) "My father continued to use the word gringo. But it was no longer charged with the old bitterness or distrust. (Stripped of any emotional content, the word simply became a name for those Americans not of Hispanic descent.) Hearing him, sometimes, I wasn't sure if he was pronouncing the Spanish word or saying gringo in English."
His statement here kind of shows us how his family is losing their heritage to some extent. They are conforming more to the american ideal that they should be more like americans. I personally don't like this. Growing up my father and grandparents spoke portuguese to each other. My brother and I never picked up the language which I regret. My school didn't offer a portuguese class so I learned Spanish so I can semi converse with my grandparent or at the very least they can talk in portuguese and I can somewhat understand them.
I can personally relate to all three of the quotes you included and so I appreciate reading your interpretation and response to them. The bilingual graphic of two students working together was a nice addition too. I really enjoyed your blog!
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