II. Reading Comprehension

Bilingual education involves instructing students in two languages, offering a balanced approach to learning that promotes fluency in both. It has become an increasingly popular topic in the field of education in modern days. So far, bilingual education has been carried out in several states in the US, and it is also one of the focuses of Taiwan’s education policies. Parents and educators alike are exploring the benefits and drawbacks of raising bilingual children.

 For the benefits of bilingual education, research has found that it enhances students’ skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking, as juggling between two languages creates mental flexibility and dexterity. Such dexterity also translates into better academic performance, especially in language. Moreover, bilingual education teaches students to appreciate different cultures, developing crucial traits in the modern world, such as empathy and cultural sensitivity, in them.

However, bilingual education can also bring challenges to students. While the intention of bilingual education is to equip students with proficiency in two languages, there is a risk of code-switching, which could hinder effective communication. Handling two languages simultaneously may also cause academic lag, making bilingual students learn more slowly than their monolingual counterparts. Finally, bilingual individuals may face prejudice or discrimination in a society where a single dominant language prevails, and there could be a lack of recognition for the cognitive advantages they bring. This suggests that relevant resources and qualified teachers are required to fully realize the potential benefit of such education.

(Adapted from https://wohum.org/pros-and-cons-of-bilingual-education-bilingualism-in-children/)