Available:*
Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000004517045 | P119.32.U6 T78 2001 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
On Order
Summary
Summary
This compelling book examines the often cited but poorly supported claims that immigrants fail to learn English, and the mistaken belief that immigrant communities cling to their heritage languages. The author reveals that, on the contrary, English is being learned at a rapid pace while heritage languages are disappearing quickly from family use. She shows us how current assumptions have a pervasive influence on language policy in the United States.
Ultimately, the author argues for an educational approach that effectively embraces immigrant communities as they tackle the obstacles to language learning in the United States. This unique volume offers a short, readable introduction to these issues suitable for nonspecialists as well as educators, researchers, and other professionals.
Author Notes
Lucy Tse is an associate professor of education at California State University, Los Angeles
Table of Contents
| Introduction | p. ix |
| Chapter 1 "Why Don't They Learn English?": Language Policy and Public Perception | p. 1 |
| Official English-Language Amendments | p. 2 |
| Education Sanctions | p. 5 |
| Chapter 2 The State of English-Language Learning | p. 9 |
| Who Are U.S. Immigrants? | p. 10 |
| Are Immigrants and Their Children Learning English? | p. 14 |
| Why Do Some Students Learn English Faster Than Others? | p. 21 |
| Obstacles to Learning English | p. 25 |
| Chapter 3 The State of Heritage Language Development | p. 30 |
| The Typical Life of an Immigrant Language | p. 30 |
| Causes of Language Loss | p. 32 |
| The Myth of Language Ghettos | p. 40 |
| Chapter 4 Why Promote Heritage Languages? | p. 44 |
| Benefits of Heritage Language Development | p. 44 |
| Consequences of Heritage Language Loss | p. 51 |
| Support for Foreign- Versus Heritage Language Programs | p. 53 |
| Chapter 5 How Can Heritage Languages Be Promoted? | p. 59 |
| Language Exposure and Group Membership | p. 60 |
| Providing Language Exposure in Heritage Language Programs | p. 63 |
| Promoting Group Membership in Heritage Language Programs | p. 65 |
| Chapter 6 Where Do We Go From Here? | p. 70 |
| What Is the Current Situation? | p. 70 |
| Where Do We Go From Here? | p. 72 |
| Notes | p. 75 |
| References | p. 93 |
| Index | p. 105 |
| About the Author | p. 109 |
