Introduction to Bilingual Education

Weak Forms of Education for Bilingualism

Type of Program

Typical Type of Child

Language of the Classroom

Societal and Educational Aim

Aim in Language Outcome

Submersion

(Structured Immersion)

Language Minority

Majority Language

Assimilation

Monolingualism

Submersion with Withdrawal Classes

Language Minority

Majority Language with “Pull-Out” L2 lessons

Assimilation

Monolingualism

Segregationist

Language Minority

Minority Language (forced , no choice)

Apartheid

Monolingualism

Transitional

Language Minority

Moves from Minority to Majority Language

Assimilation

Relative Monolingualism

Mainstream with Foreign Language Teaching

Language Majority

Majority language with L2/FL Lessons

Limited Enrichment

Limited Bilingualism

Separatist

Language Minority

Minority Language (out of choice)

Detachment/ Autonomy

Limited Bilingualism

Strong Forms of Education for Bilingualism and Biliteracy

Type of Program

Typical Type of Child

Language of the Classroom

Societal and Educational Aim

Aim in Language Outcome

Immersion

Language Majority

Bilingual with Emphasis on L2

Pluralism and Enrichment

Bilingualism and Biliteracy

Maintenance/

Heritage Langauge

Language Minority

Bilingual with emphasis on L1

Maintenance, Pluralism and Enrichment

Bilingualism and Biliteracy

Two-Way/Dual Language

Mixed Language Minority & Majority

Minority and Majority

Maintenance, Pluralism and Enrichment

Bilingualism and Biliteracy

Bilingual Education in Majority Langauges

Language Majority

Two Majority Languages

Maintenance, Pluralism and Enrichment

Bilingualism and Biliteracy

Notes: (1) L2 = Second Language; L1 = First Language; FL = Foreign Langauge

           (2) Formation of this table owes much to discussions with Professor Ofelia Garefa.


Baker, C. (1993). Foundations of bilingual education 2nd bilingualism. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters.