Sociology

Picardi, C. (2007). A study of the official language movement. Retrieved 22, March 2010 from httpwww.associatedcontent.comarticle450797a_study_of_the_official_language_movement_pg2.htmlcat49

The author of this article highlights the controversies of bilingualism in politics and education in the U.S. Use of English only is mentioned to have support from some groups of politicians as a way of presenting the American identity. English is also advocated as an official language as a means of ensuring that all children learn English as well as a means of getting rid of the disadvantages associated with multilingualism.

Amin, H. (2010). Bilingual education in the United States. Retrieved 22, March 2010 from httphubpages.comhubBilingual-Education-in-the-United-States

This article discusses bilingualism from a historical point of view. The misconception of bilingualism as a mid-20th century debate is countered by presenting evidence of bilingualism in education in the 19th century. The author presents the initial dominance of German language in bilingual settings in early 20th century as well as the dominance of Spanish-English programs presently. Trends in bilingualism controversies in the American education system are also presented with supportive studies thereof.

Fox News. (2007, April 01). Newt Gingrich decries ghetto nature of bilingual education. Retrieved 22 March 2010 from httpwww.foxnews.comstory0,2933,263038,00.html

This article presents strong opposition to bilingual education from a political viewpoint. The opposing views of a former House Speaker are highlighted with his main views of English as a language associated with prosperity being degrade to bilingualism. Several occasions are cited where the House Speaker has condemned bilingualism with strong emotions being portrayed in his statement. Also highlighted in this article is importance of bilingualism to those whom English is not their native language.

Preschool English Learners. (2010). Bilingualism. Retrieved 22, March 2010 from httpwww.edgateway.netpubdocspelbilingualism.htm

Bilingualism is portrayed as an experience that is encountered by many children initially in their preschool level in the U.S. Children are noted to learn more than one language through simultaneous bilingualism, successive bilingualism or receptive bilingualism. Socioeconomic, socioemotional, cultural, and cognitive benefits of being bilingual are also given as supportive evidence for encouraging bilingualism in education. However, difficulties in learning a second language are also acknowledged.