The systematic oppression of language goes beyond colonial society and is reflected in our bilingual education systems today. Bilingual Education began as a means to help non-English speakers assimilate and learn English as fast as possible. Through English Language Learner (ELL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, students are pulled from primary education classes to learn English separately from those who already speak the language. This results in lower proficiency of both the minority language (typically a language spoken in the home) and of English. (Escobar & Potowski, 2015). Dual Immersion programs are becoming more common, in which English and a minority language, like Spanish or Mandarin, are taught simultaneously with the goal of instruction being 50/50 in each respective language. These programs result is higher proficiency in both languages and create a culture in which minority languages are respected and maintained rather than destroyed. In the United States today, there is still a lot of hesitation and apprehension around programs like this. Some parents worry that their children don't learn enough English to be successful in the US, a common misconception about bilingual education (Speaking in Tonuges, 2009). Another problem with programs like these is that there is minimal regulation on what they look like as well as inconsistency of funding. My mom teaches at a middle school which has a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. She does not have any certification to teach in a foreign language yet because of bilingual teacher shortages, she is currently teaching a DLI math class.  This reflects not only a lack of value in bilingual education but also the colonial treatment of bilingualism in this country.  Something that is being portrayed as a solution to linguistic colonialism, is still trapped within systems that perpetuate linguistic colonialism. 

Here is where the need for transformative justice appears. In order to correct preconceived notions that speaking English should be the default in the US or that there is a correct way to become bilingual, we need to rethink the power of language and how it is controlled by the systems around us. 

After observing these systems, I can recognize that my own path to being bilingual is not one I walk alone. Part of transforming systems is waking up to the role they play in our lives. 

So what do we do? 

I propose a network-building framework to act like a toolkit for anyone looking to decolonize their language and increase their skills in a minority language. 

1. Talk to each other!

Ask around if anyone has any recommendations. I recently asked a friend what helped her feel more confident in her second language and she shared that reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in Spanish was a good start for her.  I also asked a professor of mine, what media she would recommend and I have a list of shows, books, and podcasts to look into. Not only does talking to each other allow you to gather ideas but it helps share the experience. In naming and recognizing the issue we become closer to the solution. 

2. Consume media created by artists with language preservation in mind! 

Supporting the work that artists and activists are already doing is a great way to build your community of resources and get involved with the work. Below are some links to get you started: 

Preserving the Language, Preserving the Culture The Vision and Impact of Esther Martinez 

The Role of Art in Indigenous Culture and Language Preservation 

Latino Arts Inc. 

3. Be brave! 

It can be scary to start learning a new language and to start using it. Especially in a country that doesn't have the structure to support language learners and holds strong stereotypes around non-English languages.  Be open about your intentions of learning and make mistakes! The more you practice the better you will be. 

4. Seek opportunities that allow you to practice!

Find student organizations, book clubs, etc,  that emphasize practicing a language. Utilize Marquette resources like Mango Languages or look into Foreign language courses. 

5. Build a Support System

I have found seeking these opportunities and being brave in public difficult but rewarding. But I've also looked to build my own system of support.  I've reached out to friends from classes, my sisters, friends from exchange experiences, all who expressed they wouldn't mind helping me practice. In doing so, I'm building myself a world that will support me.  

6. Take what you learn, and share it with someone else

As discussed throughout this course Mutual Aid is key to working outside of the systems that are all around us. Share music with each other, tell a friend about an event, ask someone if they want to learn something new with you. The more we talk about the problem, the more language we give to a problem, the more likely we are to develop and maintain community-based solutions.