by Maureen Cutajar

Created on: December 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2010

Bilingual education is an inherent function of a society’s political ideology and the various forms it takes reflects the basic philosophies and politics in society. Lambert (1974) distinguishes between additive and subtractive bilingualism. An additive bilingual situation occurs when the addition of a second language and culture is unlikely to replace or displace the first language and culture. It therefore stands as an expansion to the linguistic repertoire in which both languages are considered useful and valued. In contrast, subtractive bilingualism reflects a situation where the learning of a majority second language may undermine a person’s minority first language and culture. This form of subtractive bilingualism occurs in a society where one language is valued more than the other. When the second language is considered more prestigious and powerful, the minority language tends to be perceived as of low status and value. Instead of addition, there is subtraction. The latter form of bilingualism fosters a negative attitude towards the minority language. In contrast, additive bilingualism encourages a positive attitude towards both languages.

The aim of second language instruction for language minority students may be assimilationist and subtractive. The objective of second language learning in this case is to integrate language minority students into mainstream society. There is no attempt to maintain and preserve the minority language, but rather to replace it by the more dominant and prestigious second language. Furthermore, in such circumstance, a negative attitude towards the minority language is often encouraged by teachers and school personnel. This assimilating view of second language teaching was adopted by the United States when an increasing number of immigrants went in search of the American Dream. Language diversity became a cause for concern, and it was held that the widespread use of the English language epitomised a unified nation. In 1917, Roosevelt urged all immigrants to adopt the English language:

"We must have but one flag. We must have but one language. (…) We cannot tolerate any attempt to oppose or supplant the language and culture that has come down to us from the builders of the republic with the language and culture of any European country. The greatness of this nation depends on the swift assimilation of the aliens she welcomes to her shores. Any force which attempt to retard the assimilative process is a

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