Customer Reviews

Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism (Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 1)

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Baker's book, first edition onward, has been the main text for a number of years in a required introductory course for future bilingual teachers at the university in which I teach. The book has many strengths; it reads well, it has a world perspective on bilingualism, it describes a number of linguistic theories relative to bilingualism, and it provides a clear and thorough foundation for understanding how language policies are designed, and what they are based on. It is important to note that even individuals who have not taken linguistic courses can understand the text because it does a great job of explaining terminology and theories so that the reader can then concentrate on the issues surrounding bilingual education and bilingualism. The text is effective as an introduction to bilingualism because it explores not only linguistic theories, but also looks at sociological and psychological theories that can deepen the understanding of the language dynamics of bilingualism. The premise of the book is that a language is a resource to be nurtured and developed, whether it is a "minority" language or not; this is the opposite of seeing a minority language as a societal, political, or educational problem, a viewpoint that has become increasingly voiced by state-level politicians (with no background in linguistics or teaching) who blame bilingualism for low academic achievement among immigrant youth and have reshaped language policies through state referenda. Baker provides a stark contrast between such perspectives and those in numerous countries in Europe and Asia, where multilingualism is the norm. In summary, Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism is an excellent resource for those interested in this topic.

Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, is an in depth treatise on the foundations of second language acquisition and is an effectively organized primer on this subject.

Beginning with explicit definitions of the vocabulary of bilingualism, the book explores the origins and methodologies of bilingualism in today's classrooms. The textbook is splendidly footnoted with citations of research by the biggest and most influential names in the field of education, psychology and linguistics, including L.S. Vygotsky, Jim Cummins, S. Krashen and many many more. Beyond the introduction, the book goes into details of much of the research covered. But more than theorizing, the book gives extensive coverage to the political angles that color much of the societal debates over the place and growth of bilingualism in academia. On this score, the editor, Collin Baker of the University of Wales (as part of a series with Nancy Hornberger of the University of Pennsylvania), takes risks in positioning himself as a staunch critic of any measure to reign in the growth of the bilingual education industry. Indeed the extent to which Mr Baker relies on research on heritage language education by such experts as Mr. Cummins belie his deep sympathies for Mr. Cumin's works and his views. That having been said, the editor takes pains to balance the views of all sides of the debate. This is particularly true of his treatment of the government's own contested policy stances on bilingual education.

On the matter of governmental policy and bilingualism in the classroom, the book outdoes itself in shedding light on the intriguing battle between opponents and proponents of bilingualism. It makes what would have otherwise been yet another staid academic exercise into excellent political discourse for the newly initiated bilingual educator. Covering the origins of California's Propositions 227 and dissecting the various landmark government reviews on the effectiveness bilingual education, Mr. Baker engages as well as informs.

This title has become both a text book and a classic. The author lists all the major theories of second language acquisition with clarity, providing a broad range of approaches to bilingualism.

After I purchased the book, I was a little worried because (1) it was used (I admit I am a little picky about used books) and (2) I received an email from the seller to please give enough time to receive it, since no tracking was possible.

I bought the book on a Friday afternoon and received it on Tuesday - so happily surprised with no drama! The book is in EXCELLENT condition! Highly recommended!

This book was required reading for a Bilingual Education course I was taking. It has a lot of information, speficially with regards to all the different varieties of Bilingual Ed. and major research on the topic, but was a dry read for sure. Lots of facts crammed into each passage, but if your goal is to become proficient in all things about Bilingual Ed., go for it. This book was recommended by our professor as a tool in preparing for our state's bilingual education certification exam.