Multilingual and multicultural language learning approaches

¶ … Multiculturalism and Multilingualism in Classrooms

One cannot predict the future of multiculturalism and multilingualism in the classroom without looking at both their history and their current state. Until very recently, with its idea that America was a melting pot, American society could be classified as imperialistic. Those who were not of European descent were expected to take on the attributes of the dominant culture and assimilate into American society. This attitude permeated the schools, leaving little room for the study of alternate cultures or languages outside of the European norm.

There was a slow shift in the attitude of American society, which slowly permeated into the school system. This shift recognized the intrinsic value of other cultures and was demonstrated by a wave of new immigrants who refused to abandon their culture and language simply because they moved to America. As a result, schools began to reflect those differences as well. The first reflections were subtle and, not surprisingly focused on assimilation, such as in English as a second language classes. However, soon schools became a place where children could celebrate their cultural backgrounds by sharing customs and traditions. Second language offerings expanded beyond the European standards: French and Spanish. Furthermore, in some areas with large non-English speaking communities, core curriculum classes were offered in native languages. Finally, schools began to become more culturally sensitive on the issues of religion, striving to balance one student's right to worship with another student's right not to worship.