The research presented in this document "relates to many questions about bilingualism which educators need to explore." First, 4 degrees of bilingualism are listed which refer to levels of proficiency: (1) The immigrant learns English via his mother tongue and English is used infrequently; (2) The immigrant speaks both his native tongue and…

A study which presents evidence against the relevance of age and innate linguistic talent as significant variables in language learning. Arguments are given favoring the significance of psychological and sociological factors. A special talent for language learning probably exists; new research is needed to explore what it comprises. (AMH)

A TWO-YEAR EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DEVELOP "BILINGUAL READINESS" WAS UNDERTAKEN IN KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE CLASSES IN NEW YORK CITY. TWO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ONE IN A POVERTY AREA AND ONE IN A MIDDLE CLASS AREA, WERE CHOSEN FOR THE STUDY. EFFORTS WERE MADE TO CHOOSE SIX KINDERGARTEN AND SIX FIRST GRADE CLASSES COMPOSED OF EQUAL NUMBERS…

It has been shown that students in North America can learn both a foreign language and subject matter taught in that language at the same time successfully. The immersion model is first examined for the majority group child, then considered for several target groups. (SCC)

This paper investigates the influence childhood bilingualism has on adult foreign language learning ability. Early research exploring the influence of bilingualism on general intelligence is mentioned as well as recent studies that present more favorable results. It is hypothesized that childhood bilingualism will have a positive effect on adult…

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical model for determining and depicting language dominance, given the general nature and needs of bilingual education programs in the United States. The author proposes the use of parallel tests of aural ability to indicate initially the language dominance of children who, for example, are otherwise…

This case study describes the language development of a preschool child exposed to Spanish in her home environment and to English outside the family. It is the parents' hope that the child will learn to speak, read, and write Spanish first, while learning to speak English before entering school. Her progress is described in this report, as are…

Metalinguistic knowledge, or linguistic awareness, involves the ability to focus attention upon the form of language in and of itself, rather than merely as the vehicle by which meaning is conveyed. This ability to analyze language structures lags behind spontaneous speaking and listening performance because of the additional cognitive skills…

The purpose of this volume is to bring together various materials dealing with the psychological aspects of foreign language learning and bilingualism. The materials have been arranged for the use of persons interested in foreign language "Compensatory Instruction," which involves the notion of adjusting the teaching activities to the needs of…

The prerequisites of language acquisition are cognitive and pragmatic. The child's conceptual development and social needs direct his attention to particular linguistic forms. These provide an efficient selection device enabling the child to match his language learning task with his abilities. The second language learner who is cognitively and…

One hundred twenty first-grade Mexican-American students (60 from each Fort Worth and Laredo, Texas) were subjects of an experiment which attempted to determine whether bilingualism inhibits verbal ability in one or both of the children's languages. The PPVT-A (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Form A) was used to test verbal ability and…

In line with the psychologists' viewpoint on child development, an argument is made for reconsidering the timing and type of modern language instruction in the school. Evidence of the receptiveness of children to language learning from birth to age eleven is discussed, along with the efficacy of learning through a direct, or school, experience.…

A preface by Andre Martinet and a brief discussion of the author's approach to research introduce this descriptive study of bilingualism. Various aspects of interference--lexical, grammatical, and phonic are examined. Major emphasis is focused on the role and influence of socio-cultural setting and psychological factors inherent in bilingualism.…

This paper examines some experimental evidence relating to the influence of second language learning on native language performance, including results from elementary school Latin programs, research on bilingualism and intellect, and elementary school programs in modern languages. Some studies of Latin FLES programs show that specially designed…