W7 Discussion Question 1: Multicultural Perspectives: Biling…

Purpose: The purpose of this discussion is to gain knowledge on what society commonly believes are true about the development of two languages for children. Use learned vocabulary from your readings throughout the assignment in order to prove your stance.

Initial Post (Due Saturday by 11:59 pm CST): Out of the following 10 Bilingual Myths or Truths,” choose two to discuss. Based on your readings from this week, write a minimum of 300 words explaining why your chosen statements are true or false. This week’s readings should aid you in crafting your post.

1. Bilingualism causes a language delay.
2. For a language learner learning 2 languages; if there is a delay in one language there will not be a delay in the other language.
3. When children mix their languages it means that they are confused and are having difficulties becoming bilingual.
4. A person is not truly bilingual unless they are equally proficient in both languages.
5. A person must learn a second language as a young child in order to be considered bilingual.
6. If you want your child to speak the majority of one language, you should stop speaking your home language with your child.
7. If a child mixes their two languages then they have a language delay.
8. Some children learning two languages go through a stage where they rely on gestures and use very few words in the second language.
9. Learning two languages will cause semantic delays.
10. Bilingual children will have difficulties in academic and literacy development.