When Sign Language Influences Speech by François Grosjean on Psychology Today — I don’t know sign language, but this is an interesting read for those who do.
Call of Duty and World of Warcraft Double as Language Class by Laura Kane on The Toronto Star — A strong case for the benefits of online video gaming when raising bilingual children.
Statewide Shortage of Bilingual Teacher Recruits Controversy in Fox Valley by Emily McFarlan Miller on The Courier-News — Hopefully many of the kids being raised bilingual today will one day become bilingual teachers and fill the huge void we have in public schools today.
Dual Language Immersion is Needed by Thea True-Wells on The Casper Journal — An opinion piece written by a Wyoming parent in defense of dual language immersion: “DLI is a method to give the gift of a second language to their children without sacrificing academics in other areas.” I couldn’t agree more!
School Districts Search for Bilingual Talent by Jenette Sturges on The Beacon-News — Because I find the topic of dual language immersion programs fascinating and I never get tired of reading about how they work around the country.
A Growing Gumber of Mexican in the US Don’t Speak Spanish by Kristina Puga onNBC Latino — Interesting read, though it’s not what you probably think…
A Guide to Raising Bilingual Children by Amy Paturel on Parenting — You’ve probably heard the tips in this article before, but it never hurts to get some reinforcement!
I’ve learned sign language, and I can say that they stress that it is rude to speak to a hearing person without signing in front of a deaf person, so that may be another factor in the increased gesturing while speaking. This awareness that speaking without signing around a deaf person is rude could subliminally carry over when no deaf people are present.
Plus I can say sign language is just so useful you start to wish everyone knew it–your friend you’re trying to gesture to across the room, the dentist (oh how I wish all dentists understood sign–it should be required to pass dental school!), etc. I use it with my husband when I’m on the phone (though it is challenging to do two conversations at once…I can at least sign “mother” if I’m talking with my mom so he knows who’s on the phone, without interrupting the conversation.