"FREE ALTERNATION"

Use the two languages interchangeably, letting such factors as topic, person, situation, and so forth dictate the language to be used.

Supporting bilingual students in the classroom involves creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that acknowledges and celebrates their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Here are some strategies to support bilingual students effectively:

Validate and Value Home Language

Recognize and validate the linguistic and cultural diversity of bilingual students by affirming the importance of their home language and cultural heritage. Encourage students to use their home language in classroom discussions, assignments, and presentations, and ensure that classroom materials reflect linguistic and cultural diversity.

Provide Bilingual Resources

Offer bilingual resources, such as books, dictionaries, websites, and instructional materials, that support language development in both the students' home language and the language of instruction. Bilingual resources can help students access content knowledge, develop literacy skills, and build vocabulary in both languages.

Promote Code-Switching

Encourage code-switching—the alternation between languages within a conversation or text—as a natural and valid communication strategy. Allow bilingual students to express themselves using whichever language(s) they feel most comfortable in, and model code-switching yourself to demonstrate its value and relevance in multilingual contexts.

Differentiate Instruction

Implement instructional strategies that accommodate the diverse linguistic needs and proficiency levels of bilingual students. Provide scaffolded support, visual aids, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration opportunities to facilitate comprehension and engagement. Differentiate assignments and assessments to allow students to demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways and languages.

Cultivate Language Rich Environment

Create a language-rich environment that exposes bilingual students to rich and varied language input in both the classroom and the school community. Use language immersion techniques, such as storytelling, songs, chants, and language games, to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and language structures in context.

Support Language Development

Offer targeted language development support, such as language workshops, tutoring sessions, or peer mentoring programs, to help bilingual students strengthen their language skills and overcome language barriers. Provide opportunities for language practice and feedback through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities.

Build Cultural Competence

Foster cultural competence and sensitivity among all students by incorporating diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices into the curriculum. Explore multicultural literature, celebrate cultural holidays and traditions, and invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to enrich students' understanding of different cultures and languages.

Collaborate with Families

Establish open and collaborative communication with bilingual students' families to understand their linguistic and cultural backgrounds, educational goals, and support needs. Involve families in decision-making processes, seek their input on instructional strategies, and provide resources and workshops to empower them as partners in their children's education.

By implementing these strategies, educators can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that honors and leverages the linguistic assets of bilingual students, facilitating their academic success and fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.

The strategies and government policies to support bilingual speakers can vary widely depending on the country and region. Here are some examples of current strategies and policies in California that support bilingual speakers:

Language Access Laws

California has several laws and policies in place to ensure language access for residents with limited English proficiency (LEP). For example, the California Government Code section 7290-7299.8 mandates that state agencies provide language assistance services, including interpretation and translation, to LEP individuals accessing government services. Additionally, the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) requires election materials, including ballots and voter information pamphlets, to be translated into languages spoken by a significant portion of the population in certain jurisdictions.

Bilingual Education Programs

California offers bilingual education programs in schools to support the academic success of English learners (ELs) and promote bilingualism. The state's bilingual education policy allows for various instructional models, including dual-language immersion programs, transitional bilingual education, and maintenance bilingual education. Schools in California can apply for funding through state and federal programs, such as the English Learner Program and the Title III Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students program, to support bilingual education initiatives.

Language Proficiency Standards

The California Department of Education (CDE) establishes language proficiency standards for English learners based on the English Language Development (ELD) standards and proficiency levels defined by the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) and its successor, the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). These standards help guide the instruction and assessment of English learners to ensure they develop the language skills necessary for academic success and English proficiency.

Language Assistance in Healthcare

California law requires healthcare facilities that receive state funding to provide language assistance services, such as interpretation and translation, to patients with limited English proficiency. The California Health Care Language Assistance Act (CHCLAA) mandates that hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers offer language assistance in patients' primary languages to facilitate effective communication and ensure access to quality healthcare services.

Language Access in Legal Settings

California courts provide language access services, including interpretation and translation, to individuals with limited English proficiency to ensure equal access to justice. The Judicial Council of California has established language access programs in collaboration with court interpreters and language service providers to offer interpretation services in court proceedings, hearings, and legal consultations.

Community-Based Language Services

Community organizations and advocacy groups in California offer grassroots language services to support bilingual speakers in local communities. For example, organizations like the California Language Access Coalition (CLAC) and the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) advocate for language rights and provide resources and support to immigrant and language minority communities across the state.

Cultural Competence Training

California state agencies, public servants, and healthcare providers may undergo cultural competence training to improve cross-cultural communication skills and promote inclusive practices. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers cultural competency training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance their ability to effectively serve diverse patient populations, including bilingual speakers from different cultural backgrounds.

These examples illustrate how California implements strategies and policies to support bilingual speakers across various sectors, including education, healthcare, legal services, and community advocacy. The specific initiatives and approaches can vary widely depending on the sociopolitical context, the needs of bilingual communities, and the resources available for language support services.