SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON BILINGUALISM AND SECOND LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

In Quebec, most educators agree that everybody should acquire a high level of competence in both French and English. The achievement of this goal will facilitate communication not only in everyday life but will lead as well to an understanding and appreciation of the values and aspirations of each cultural group. Perhaps a decrease in tension and hostility between the groups would also result from widespread bilingualism. Some groups of immigrants aside, the acquisition of English or French involves for most people the learning of a second language.