Language

The importance of language needs to be mentioned at this juncture, but the reader will need to gain a thorough understanding of the vital place language plays in considering the needs of all bilingual learners. Nieto (1999: 60) writes:

language is deeply implicated with culture and an important part of it. That is, the language, language variety, or dialect one speaks is culture made manifest, although it is not, of course, all there is to culture.

Genesee (2001: 1) also supports Nieto’s views saying that, ‘Indeed where possible and where desired by parents, use of the home language and incorporation of the home culture into the curriculum and activities of the school are to be strongly encouraged.’ However, recent research has indicated that: ‘Head teachers saw language as a greater challenge than other aspects of ethnicity’ (DfES, 12.12.2003).

Discussion

■ Why do you think that research has indicated that language is the greatest challenge at present in educational settings?

■ Is it perhaps because of the daily problems educators may have with trying to educate learners with another language, or not?

■ Do you agree with the following statement? Language is a daily problem that has to be dealt with, but other cultural issues do not tend to impinge on the daily teaching practices of the educators. Explain to a colleague how this may affect an educational settings planning and policies and what it could mean to a learner with a different cultural background from the majority of the school community.