Is there a difference between bilingual education and multilingual education?

Is there a difference between bilingual education and multilingual education? Had I been asked this question two months ago I would have assumed bilingual and multilingual meant the same thing. Because I am taking a multilingual education theory and practice course at San Diego State University; I am able to differentiate the two educational programs. I hope these aims, goals, and examples of effectiveness of each program help in gaining a better understanding of the main differences between bilingual and multilingual educational programs.

How are bilingual and multilingual education different? The main difference between bilingual and multilingual education is how the “minority”language (the language that is not dominant within the community) is used. When you are bilingual in two languages you are able to speak in two separate languages. When you are multilingual you are able to communicate and interact within two separate cultural societies (Baker,2011).

Aims, Goals and examples of bilingual education:According to Ferguson et al(1977) some aims and goals of bilingual education include; assimilate, unify, communicate,employ, create identity,reconcile, maintain privileged position, status, and understanding; all which focus on a dominant language. Bilingual education has varying and conflicting philosophies rooted in different thought process and politics. Some examples of programs that focus on bilingual education include Mainstreaming/submersion (Structured immersion), mainstreaming/submersion (with withdrawal classes, sheltered English, content based ESL), and segregationist(forced submersion).

These programs all view the student as a minority in the learning structure. Baker refers to these models of bilingual education as “weak” forms of education (Baker,222).

Aims, Goals and examples of multilingual education:

“Strong” forms of bilingual education have bilingualism, multiliteracies and multiculturalism(Baker,222). In other words incorporating the students native language as well as cultural background in his/her new learning environment.

Three examples of such programs include: Dual Language education (The integration of native speakers of two different languages, provides authentic, meaningful communication between children from the two different language groups, both of whom are native speakers). Heritage Language Education (language minority children use their native, ethnic, home or heritage language in the school as a medium of instruction with the goal of full bilingualism). Immersion Bilingual education (originated in Canada, with aims of becoming bilingual and bi-cultural without loss of achievement).

Each of these models is well established and favorably evaluated and flourishing.

Next time someone asks you if bilingual and multilingual education are the same, what will you say?