A Parent's Guide to Bilingualism Buchkatalog

This book discusses the questions of mixed-marriage bilingualism including that of the myths and prejudices still surrounding it. Based on the long-term experiences of 45 families, it presents a wide range of views, intended to reassure parents and make it easier for them to decide which path to take. Providing a close-up look at the day-to-day workings of bilingual families, it often illustrates points with personal anecdotes and tries to show how children in such families are likely to become bilingual. What options are open to most parents and what will make them work? How much choice do parents really have? Which factors can tip the scales? Written in straightforward English and avoiding all linguistic jargon, it is intended for those interested in bilingualism but with no knowledge of linguistics, who simply want to learn about the ways in which children can become bilingual. It is in particular for the growing number of couples who do not share the same mother tongue and have, or are planning to have, a family and also for their relatives or friends who may be critical of the idea of children growing up with two languages.