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Two-Way Immersion Promotes Additional Language Learning: Performance of Bilingual Sixth-Grade Students in English as a Third Language
- Source :
-
International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism . 2024 27(7):910-922. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Multilingualism is often associated with advantages for acquiring additional languages. Theoretical approaches explain these advantages by assuming a Common Underlying Proficiency or a Metalinguistic Awareness. At the State Europe School in Berlin, students from different language backgrounds receive instruction in German and a partner language according to two-way immersion (TWI). It is unclear how this bilingual instruction affects the acquisition of a third language. We examined the English proficiency of N = 656 TWI sixth-grade students and N = 739 mainstream students via a C-test. Multiple regression analyses revealed that TWI students exhibited higher English proficiency than mainstream students despite having received less English instruction. The results showed additional effects of German- and partner-language reading skills. The findings support the assumption of TWI programs that the use of two languages of instruction fosters third language acquisition.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1367-0050 and 1747-7522
- Volume :
- 27
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1430246
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2024.2307436