Biculturism

Biculturism

As our nations becomes increasingly more diverse, educators and others working with children

need to deal better with differing cultures and languages. Some develop programs that focus on the specific needs of minority students while others include all cultures, ethnicities,, languages and even sexual orientation.

Early childhood is a critical time for children to develop their group identities, beliefs and interpersonal skills. To respond effectively to language and cultural diversity, we need to consider what becoming bi-cultural means to young minority children.

These children must learn to function in two worlds effectively. They live in their home culture and need to learn the dominate culture so they can become educated and well employed. In Australia, the...