ERIC Number: EJ961495
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0380-2361
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Learning through an Aboriginal Language: The Impact on Students' English and Aboriginal Language Skills
Usborne, Esther; Peck, Josephine; Smith, Donna-Lee; Taylor, Donald M.
Canadian Journal of Education, v34 n4 p200-215 2011
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. (Contains 1 table, 2 figures, and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Immersion Programs, Second Language Learning, Canada Natives, Native Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Program Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Language Skills, Language Maintenance, Teaching Methods, Language Tests, American Indian Languages
Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE). 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: csse-scee@csse.ca; Web site: http://www.csse.ca/CJE/General.htm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A