Why is Bilingual Education Important to me?

  Bilingual Education is a method that teaches in other languages besides English. I am Chinese, and I studied my native language as my first language. Afterward, I came to this absolutely different culture and language. I had to learn a new language. It was very difficult for me the first time. I learned it because I had to. In the beginning I was in the bilingual program when I came here and until now, I am still in an ESL class. In my experience, I think bilingual education is very important to me.

      It's not only to increase more and more knowledge, but also to help me keep and improve my native language while learning English. At first I thought I looked like a dumb person because I didn't know any English. However, the school provided bilingual education for us - new comers. Teachers used our native language to explain the lesson, such as chemistry, science, and history. I thought in this way, we should learn and assimilate. We wouldn't be hindered by different language. Of course, we write and read in English, so we also can take a test in English, like the monolingual students. We are tested the same way.

        If there is no bilingual education, the teacher speaks to the students about the lesson that's completely incomprehensible to us. I wouldn't understand the lesson and I would be worst person in the class I think - poor grade. However, if I fit in American society, and learn English soon, and speak all the time the result is I can't communicate with my grandmother or relatives. I even thought about transferring to regular class. However, I thought the result first at this point. If I read an article or a short story, there are one fifth of vocabulary words I don't know. How could I do? I still have to look up the meanings of the words in both languages. I can't read, speak, write, and listen as well as other students do. I will full of embarrassment and shame. I will be compelled by the regular class, not only because I can't work as other students do, but also my grades will be lower, and even work more strenuous.

        In the bilingual class, I feel it's easier to follow the instruction. If I don't understand anything, I may ask the teacher in my native language, the teacher either can explain to me by simple English or in my native language. I am very thankful for the bilingual education.