Task 1: Colombian Education

Colombian EducationTask1/ECEDU/551035_13

Angela Fernanda Senejoa NúñezJuly/2021

MultilingualismMonolingualism Bilingualism

Presentation

Introduction of the Topic

MultilingualismMonolingualism Bilingualism

Monolingualism, Bilingualism, and Multilinguism are three different concepts directly related to language acquisition. These concepts can be addressed from different perspectives, given the complexity of language and all its forms and functions. Similarly, Bilingualism and Identity can not be understood apart from each other, as individuals who acknowledge and/or master more than one language in life, generally develop the ability to adapt to different cultures in a unique way by building more than one identity (set of mind).

Both the readings argue that Bilingualism and Monolingualism are concepts that can be understood from an individual or personal perspective but the truth is that they can also be analyzed by considering individuals as members of specific groups, such as communities, nations, colleges, etcetera. The first reading ‘Bilingual Education in Colombia: Towards a Recognition of Languages, Cultures and Identities' written by Mejia satisfies the readers with an interesting explanation about the importance of setting in Colombia a language policy where all languages should be of equal value to enrich intercultural relations and assist the healthy development of students’ individualism and self-esteem. On the other hand, the second reading ‘Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism’ highlights the most important facts to identify the differences between monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual people. As well as it exposes a great variety of possibilities to refer to people's language ability. People can be label accordingly to their language competence, level of acquisition and usage.

Analysis of the Readings

Bilingualism and Multilingualism Definitions and Distinctions

BilingualismDimensions

Relevant aspects of the readings

There are endless individual and collective views about Multilingualism, Monolingualism and Bilingualism. However, as a united view they all agree that language competence cannot be evaluated under a specific set of rules. Besides, Language competence ought to be acknowledged as the result of a set of multicompetences that can be affected by external factors. As when individuals belong to specific groups or communities, then their language ability expands, and it reflects on social and cognitive developments. As a result, individuals learn to think critically and solve problems, since all concepts expand their meaning through the function of language, implying that social and cognitive development continues to progress.

Relevant aspects of the readings

Since education is a transcendental step that involves the entire life of the person and is grounded in interpersonal relationships, language is presented as the object that generates actions and changes on a personal level within their social environment, not only now but in the near future. Therefore, in the field of teaching, it is essential to use the best language resources to create, transform, learn, teach or educate and establish a better human world, preventing interlocutors from diverting the ideas that are taught or transmitted. Thus, there is an immense work to be done so that the language used both inside and outside the classroom (in written and oral form) gains in accuracy and seriousness not only in form but also in content, since the function of education is not only transmit knowledge but also through language and used correctly: teach to read, write, express, reason and argue among others; added and applied these skills will be beneficial throughout the social environment.

CONCLUSIONHow can the knowledge of aspects of language such as monolingualism and bilingualism influence your teaching now or in the future?

• “Baker, C. (2001). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism.” CHAPTER 1.

• Mejia, A. (2006). Bilingual Education in Colombia: Towards a Recognition of Languages, Cultures and Identities.

References

Thank you!