Forbidden Language/Gandara

[Nina Z]

In Chapters 3,4,5 in FORBIDDEN LANGUAGE what seems to be at risk is the loss of the importance of what is going on in the L1. How much success would be demonstrated if the structure of the L1 is respected and supported by literature and writing at home in conjunction with the L2 learning in the classroom. Are those students who are literate in more than one language able to comprehend academic nuance in a more in-depth way?

[Sally Olsen]

Sure. Lots of research available on Google Scholar.

[amytrabs]

I honestly believe that it is crucial for ELLs L1 to be supported both in the classroom (even if it is in small amounts) and at home in order for them to continue to have success in English. Although I was never an ELL myself, I try to put myself in their (ELLs) shoes as often as possible when thinking about topics like this, and I know that I would probably be nervous/scared/intimidated if I was forced to learn another language and frowned upon when I wanted to use my L1. I think we need to continue to build confidence and self esteem in the ELLs by letting them know it is perfectly acceptable to continue to use their L1 at home and even a little bit in the classroom. If they know this and know that teachers and students are accepting of their culture, they may be more likely to want to try to learn more in english and succeed at English. Despite all the studies and research, I truly believe that a student needs to feel comfortable, accepted and respected in order to learn anything at all.