Abstract
In societies like the United States which have diverse populations, children from linguistic minority families must learn the language of the society in order to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered by society. The timing and the conditions under which they come into contact with English, however, can profoundly affect the retention and continued use of their primary languages as well as the development of their second language. An ideology that equates English mono-lingualism or speaking English as one's language of choice because of being an American citizen underlies the way languages are taught in United States schools. Bilingualism and bilingual education therefore raise issues well beyond communication and pedagogy. Schools are a primary vehicle for the transmission of culture and a sense of national identity. They also serve as the gateway to participation in the political and economic arena.
