Elite Vs. Folk Bilingualism: The Mismatch between Theories and Educational and Social Conditions

Main Article Content

Carmen Helena Guerrero

Abstract

This article aims at contributing to the ongoing discussion about how bilingualism is understood in the current National Bilingualism Plan (PNB for its initials in Spanish). Based on previous research and discussions held at academic events, it is evident that the promoters of the PNB use the term “bilingualism” in a rather indiscriminate way, without adopting a clear approach or definition. This ambiguity in conceptualization has serious consequences in the way the PNB is implemented around the country. The main contribution of this reflection article is, then, to explore from a theoretical perspective two opposite types of bilingualism: elite/folk bilingualism to show that even though on the surface the PNB seems to aim at an elite bilingualism, the educational and social conditions show otherwise.

Article Details

How to Cite
Guerrero, C. H. (2010). Elite Vs. Folk Bilingualism: The Mismatch between Theories and Educational and Social Conditions. HOW, 17(1), 165–179. Retrieved from https://www.howjournalcolombia.org/index.php/how/article/view/71
Section
Reflections and Revision of Themes
Author Biography

Carmen Helena Guerrero, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá

Carmen Helena Guerrero holds a PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching. She also holds an MA in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching and an MA in Applied Linguistics to the teaching of English. Her research interests include Critical Discourse Analysis, Critical Pedagogy, and Educational Policies. She is a faculty member of the Maestria en Comunicacion Educacion program at Universidad Distrital.

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