Findings:

Through our research into academic narratives centered on bilingual education, we have identified the advantages of being multilingual, such as heightened personal and professional development, healthy aging, and protection against cognitive decline. 

Furthermore, due to the social and cultural connections that can be made through being multilingual, it has been found that people can hold a higher capability of being empathetic. When interacting with others in a linguistically advanced way, it is likely for speakers to have a higher level of comprehension of what is being discussed.

Along with this, the skill of code-switching allows for people to critically think and strategize while holding conversations. As code-switching allows for knowledge of multiple languages, it creates for an environment in which a speaker must plan out or strategically select what phrases, words, or names they are going to say in one language, and what they will say in another. 

Historical Context: 

Effective March 1st, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to designate English as the United States' official language. Up until this point, the United States had no official language; rather, English was considered the de facto language at the national level. The United States has a long history of being a multilingual country as a result of its Indigenous roots,  European colonization, and immigration, as every incoming community added to the United States' linguistic diversity. As such, multilingualism isn't new despite the prominence of English amongst Americans.

Activism: 

Several organizations around the United States support the increased promotion of multilingual programming. Amongst these organizations are the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA), and the Center for the Advancement of Languages, Education, and Communities (CALEC). Activist efforts have led to the implementation of programs such as the Seal of Biliteracy certification, dual-language school initiatives, and training for bilingual instructors. 

Culture

Within different cultures, the concept of bilingualism has been growing, despite previous setbacks. People who don't speak English have a growing desire to learn it, and people who speak English have an increased desire for speaking another language and learning about a new culture. Specifically within homes, children often feel betrayed by their parents if they did not teach them their native language, as it can feel as though they are at a disconnect from their culture. The reasons parents do this can vary, but reasons include misconceptions about bilingualism, a want or certain belief surrounding standard assimilation, and association to past linguistic experiences with their native language. Therefore, with children of today changing the narrative, and with a better understanding of the benefits of bilingualism, the push for dual language programs only continues to expand.