Presents a theory that all developing and developed bilinguals have a preferred and a second language (L2) and that the bilingual increases L2 competence through fluctuating activity between bilingual preferred L2 medium-oriented communication and monolingual L2 message-oriented communication. Discusses implications of the theory for language…

Presents a longitudinal examination of the effects of certain types of schooling (bilingual, immersion, mixed-language) on the concept development of monolingual, developing bilingual, or competent bilingual children in Wales. Results indicated that immersion programs temporarily retarded concept development of second language beginners.…

Refutes earlier ideas that encouraging bilingualism at a young age retards learning and causes behavioral problems, confusion and anxiety. Considers as sources of learning problems, long overlooked factors such as socioeconomic status, minority affiliation, and society's attitude toward the language of instruction or the dominant language.…