A Personal Opinion on Garcias views on Emergent Bilingual Students - Essay Example

Introduction:
I concur with the author’s perspective that fails to recognize the concept of emergent bilingualism is discriminatory and unhealthy. In expressing my opinion, I explore the significance of the concept to each of the stakeholder groups that Garcia identifies and I discuss the author’s values that are consistent with mine. I also express my position on the use of the term emergent bilingualism with deaf children. Finally, I offer a summary of the discussion.

Content:
Garcia’s argument that the use of emergent bilingualism creates positivity is valid. According to the author, the term emergent bilingualism is associated with a development process among the learners, and it is likely to motivate them to be efficient in learning English. In addition, referring to the children as second language learners creates an impression that they are, and may always be, inferior to native speakers. Garcia’s explanation of the basis of the American classification of limited English learners also explains the classification’s discriminative scope that could lead to stigmatization. Using the term emergent bilingualism is, therefore, better for the psychological and social well-being of the non-native children (Garcia, 2009, page 322, Line 18- 29, Page 323, Line 1- 16).

The concept of emergent bilingualism is also significant to educators, whose objective is to promote learning outcomes. In using the concept, educators will be focusing on positive aspects of the student's language background, and appreciating the student’s native language could also help them to understand English and even improve their proficiency. Bentham & Hutchins (2012, Page 22, Line, 1-4) argues that children are the target of learning and therefore define their learning environment and things that motivate them. Creating a negative attitude among children, by calling them second language learners or limited English proficient students will therefore promote an environment of negative attitude and lack of motivation. A transition to the concept of emerging bilingualism will therefore help teachers to facilitate students’ performance. Similarly, the concept is likely to promote a positive approach to policymaking by focusing on the students’ strengths instead of weaknesses (Garcia, 2009, Page 323, Line 1-4). I also agree with Garcia’s opinion that bilingualism will be an important aspect of society (Garcia, 2009, Page 325, Line 14-17), and this is because of the increasing wave of globalization that facilitates interaction across languages. Even schools have students with different native languages and promoting the native languages, before integrating them or interpreting them is important. This need extends to workplaces and social institutions.

I would use the term, emergent bilingualism, with deaf students because of its ability to motivate the students into learning sign languages and developing competence associating sign languages with other oral languages. This is also because American Sign Language is as complete as any other language.

Summary and Conclusion:
I would also use the concept of emergent bilingualism with deaf children because it is applicable to American Sign Language.