Re:The Bitter Fight Over the Benefits of Bilingualism
by phillc73 on Thursday February 11, 2016 @09:04AM
(#11080132)
I believe that's almost completely false.
My wife was raised in a country where one language was spoken in the house, but she was taught at school in a completely different language. Absolutely nothing to do with being middle class or having a higher upbringing. It was mandated by the State that she be taught in one language, but they couldn't force a local population to completely change their mother tongue in the home and in private.
There are many other situations I can imagine, and know of first hand, where people of all socio-economic levels speak more than one language.
The only time I can think bilingualism may be such a proxy is in a largely mono-linguistic culture.
My wife was raised in a country where one language was spoken in the house, but she was taught at school in a completely different language. Absolutely nothing to do with being middle class or having a higher upbringing. It was mandated by the State that she be taught in one language, but they couldn't force a local population to completely change their mother tongue in the home and in private.
There are many other situations I can imagine, and know of first hand, where people of all socio-economic levels speak more than one language.
The only time I can think bilingualism may be such a proxy is in a largely mono-linguistic culture.