Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 December 2025
This chapter summarizes the complex nature of bilingual academic communication, highlighting the gradual and non-binary process of language acquisition. It emphasizes the importance of academic language, which is structured with regular patterns that facilitate learning in subjects like math, history, and science. It advocates for a deeper understanding of how academic language proficiency is developed through the systematic practice of lexis, syntax, and discourse.
In an era of globalization, multilingualism is vital for social mobility and equity. Educational institutions must adapt to the multilingual reality of today’s classrooms, where proficiency in a global language can open doors to social rights and international participation. The chapter stresses that multilingualism should be seen as an asset, not a transitional quirk, and highlights the benefits of bilingual education in fostering cognitive flexibility and critical thinking. Finally, it explores the need for proper resources, including qualified bilingual teachers, to make bilingual education effective and accessible to all students.
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