Learning to be Literate

Multilingual Perspectives

By: Prof. Viv Edwards

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eBook | 17 February 2009 | Edition Number 1

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This textbook brings together research on literacy and multilingualism from a variety of settings: the learning of English in migrant destinations, immersion and bilingual education, and the maintenance of heritage languages. Designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of disciplines, the book explores multilingualism as a global phenomenon at both the individual and societal level, and literacy learning in a wide variety of contexts. It uses both these discussions to explore the theoretical and policy issues which are behind current educational practice, and points to possible ways forward. Students are introduced to examples of innovative and best practice from a range of international contexts, and discussion points and suggested activities encourage them to build on their own experiences as language learners. This is an ideal introductory text for students on courses where a critical understanding of language in education is necessary, as well as being a useful summary of the field and its future directions for researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

Industry Reviews

This volume offers a comprehensive, accessible overview of bilingualism, biliteracy, and language education around the world with attention to the broad sweep and the defining details. Edwards skillfully joins research summary with case studies-stories that demonstrate the wide range of meanings and practices associated with reading, drawn from her own experience and scholarly pursuits. The book neither dwells on nor ignores the various 'wars' and disagreements in the field but rather sketches the contexts in which they arose, their theoretical bases, and implications for instruction. The book is well-suited for use as a textbook, with its list of key points at the end of each chapter and carefully chosen resources. But it also serves as a nicely readable overview for those who need an update.