The impact on students' English and Aboriginal language skills |
http://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/824/1112CJE
In 2011, the CJE printed this interesting study on the impact of immersing students in a traditional language rather than adding it as a second language (i.e. vocab, a few phrases, colours, etc.) The authors offer important findings around cultural identity and performance in mainstream language (French or English.)
"Aboriginal communities across Canada are implementing Aboriginal language programs in their schools. In the present research, we explore the impact of learning through an Aboriginal language on students' English and Aboriginal language skills by contrasting a Mi'kmaq language immersion program with a Mi'kmaq as a second language program. The results revealed that students in the immersion program not only had stronger Mi'kmaq language skills compared to students in the second language program, but students within both programs ultimately had the same level of English. Immersion programs can simultaneously revitalize a threatened language and prepare students for success in mainstream society."
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