Sixth International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education: Connecting Research and Practice Across Contexts

Paper/Best Practice Session (1 hour)

Multiple

Two-Way Bilingual Immersion

As California voters consider dismantling Proposition 227 in November 2016, bilingual educators, parents and students must become aware of how language ideologies and metaphorical framing affect political decision-making processes and program reforms.  I will present findings from a TWI program review revealing the importance of language ideology and metaphor in reform efforts. 

As California voters consider dismantling Proposition 227 through the SB 1174 proposition on the November 2016 ballot, bilingual educators, parents and students must become aware of the role language itself plays in the political decision-making process.  I will present findings from a doctoral study of a TWI program review that revealed the importance of language ideology and metaphor in a failed reform effort.  I will present through interactive lecture, discussion and provide handouts to participants.  My purpose will be to make participants aware of the role that language ideology and metaphorical framing play in language policy decision-making at a moment when CA voters are considering language policy change.

The goals of the paper presentation include informing bilingual educators, parents, and students about ways to understand the language ideologies of individuals, and to examine the use of metaphor in making arguments about language policy reform, as well as allowing participants to reflect on their own understandings of bilingualism and its benefits.

My paper will present concepts and findings from a study on a TWI program review revealing the role of language ideology, understandings of bilingualism and the use of metaphor.  The presentation will include the opportunity to engage in individual writing about and small group discussion of personal definitions of bilingualism.  I will facilitate discussion about questions related to language ideology and metaphor.

Through the paper and presentation, it is my hope that session participants will become more aware of ways to talk about bilingualism and bilingual education with friends, neighbors, district and school administrators, as well as of their own beliefs about bilingualism and bilingual education.