Bilingualism and the medium of instruction
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Date
2020-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Development Office, The Maldives National University
Abstract
This paper explores Cummin’s dual iceberg metaphor in terms of bilingual proficiency in the Maldivian context and the gradual switch to English-medium instruction. Bilingual education was implemented in the Maldives on the premise that the earlier a student is introduced to a foreign language and the greater is her exposure, the better will be her proficiency in the foreign language. Research on bilingualism contradicts this naïve and intuitive understanding of how a student achieves bilingual proficiency.The paper concludes by briefly outlining the manner in which the switch to the English- medium by policy actors was made and the consequent marginalization of mother tongue.and erosion of societal values.
Description
Keywords
Bilingual education, English medium instruction, Bilingual proficiency, ދުއިބަސްވެރިކަން
Citation
Hameed, H. (2020). Bilingualism and the medium of instruction. Maldives National Journal of Research. 8(2), 89-100.