Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

I would like to make a clarification. Just because some of us are against an English-only law, doesn't mean we think people should not speak any english, it means we believe that bilingualism is OK. I've taken three languages, one I started the first year I was even in school. I remember all throughout my primary and secondary education it being a big "controversy" in our city. "Oh, it's so hard for the kids...", "how are they supposed to learn two languages at once when they're so young?" Actually, the younger, the better. I'm a product of bilingual education, and becuz of it I can pick up languages rather quickly now. It also is a good feeling to be able to talk to someone in their language, even if I have a terrible accent (grin). I loved it, I still love it. Unfortunately the opponents won out, and there is no longer a widescale bilingual education program in Cincinnati. People who come to the US from somewhere else, or American Indian tribes, shouldn't have to lose their language in the process. Language is a part of culture. That isn't to say they shouldn't learn English too. I just feel that like culture, retention of language is important. I would love to see more tribal schools doing bilingual education, and starting their kindergardeners out in both english and their Indian language. The language academy I went to had students from all over the world at it, where english wasn't their first language. They took classes in their language and took english as a second language. I had several friends from Cambodia, and their skills in English did greatly enhance despite the fact they were taking it as a second language. Why shouldn't children be instructed in two languages? I was. I learned math and science in middle school in french. And English and history were in english. Half of my day with english, half of my day with french. I know it's up to opinion, but I think I turned out just fine (grin). Also, if one looks at the program initiated at Oventic in Chiapas, Mexico, I think this is a good study case. These kids first language is usually the local dialect of Mayan (near Oventic it is mainly Tzotzil, but also some Tzeltal, Chol, Tojolobal, etc). The government run schools, which in rural areas only really went to 3rd or 6th grade in the first place, only teach Spanish. The Zapatista response to this was to build their own school system.

The first ever junior high school was built with help of some American educators. The curriculum was unique. It taught not only Spanish, math, science, and history, but taught Tzotzil Mayan and traditional Mayan agricultural tecniques. The Mayans didn't want to have to lose their cultural identity to get an education (they didn't want to assimilate!), and I think they've proven successfully, that one doesn't have to. They've already had 1,000 children graduate from that school, most of those kids would have stopped at the 6th grade. Since I'd went to a bilingual program from K-8, just wanted to share my experiences/opinion with everyone.

To comment or for more information contact, LeeAnn - Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition, by email miriamczc@yahoo.com