"Why Don't They Learn English" Separating Fact From Fallacy In the U.S. Language Debate

Language and Literacy

by Lucy Tse, Celia Genishi (Series Editor), Dorothy S. Strickland (Series Editor)

This compelling book examines the often cited but poorly supported claims that immigrants fail to learn English, and the mistaken belief that immigrant communities cling to their heritage languages. The author reveals that, on the contrary, English is being learned at a rapid pace while heritage languages are disappearing quickly from family use. She shows us how current assumptions have a pervasive influence on language policy in the United States. Ultimately, the author argues for an educational approach that effectively embraces immigrant communities as they tackle the obstacles to language learning in the United States. This unique volume offers a short, readable introduction to these issues suitable for nonspecialists as well as educators, researchers, and other professionals. "In clear and elegant prose, Lucy Tse debunks prevalent myths about English-language learning among immigrant children."
― Jim Cummins , University of Toronto
"Lucy Tse is among the few to explain the causes and consequences of language loss in human terms. Her perceptive, readable, and thoroughly documented study should be on the bookshelf of every educator of immigrant students."
― James Crawford , author of At War with U.S. Language Policy in an Age of Anxiety

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Language

120 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been titled "The Real Problem of the US Immigrant Language Debate: Heritage Language Loss".

Tse only topically skims over the problems of learning English, and she bascially summarizes that immigrants are learning English fine. Her measurements aren't very concrete or convincing, but I have been involved with this issue for a long time; it might be more interesting to someone new to the debate.

I was looking for
1) something to sink my teeth into for a much deeper, broader understanding or
2) something with good arguments and outlines to send on to the people I interact with who are uninformed or who advocate "English only"

This isn't either of those things.

Her real passion is how heritage languages are being lost, and I think she's on the money that this is a tragic manifestation of the linguistic culture in the US. Still, her writing falls a bit short of being substantially informative about heritage language loss.

[Natalie Cardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I admit it, this was a textbook of mine. But it is still so relevant in the public education debate, the discussion of misconceptions about and discriminations of ethnic minorities and immigrants. It also brings to light that all the premises of the "English Only" movement are either false or have ulterior motives. (Read the book! It's all studies & facts).

I learned a lot by reading this- bilingual education is controversial, but is a research-based and performance-proven method that is the best for brand-new English Learners.

I also learned that our ESL students aren't automatically bilingual and biliterate just because they does English at home. Heritage languages fade away in as little as 1 to 3 generations. And what a shame! Heritage languages are a resource we are wasting. Yes, we invest in foreign language learning, but it isn't what students need to become literate in their Heritage Languages.

I wish she had written follow-up books!

[Ghola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short read that deals with myths associated with immigrants and Limited English Proficiency. Tse does an excellent job of sticking to the real problems facing immigrants learning English, and why the "English Only" movement is somewhat misguided.

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que el libro es muy relevante en cuanto a desmentir mitos sobre la realidad lingüística de los inmigrantes en Estados Unidos, así como la concepción de que no se puede aprender una lengua sin perder la que ya se tiene. Además, ofrece datos estadísticos y distintos estudios para demostrar su argumento, y también trae un debate interesante en cuanto a la educación y la situación de los hablantes de herencia y el mantenimiento de lenguas. La única debilidad que acaso puedo ver es la profundización de los temas. Es decir, pone sobre la mesa los puntos importantes a tener en cuenta en este panorama del movimiento "English only", pero he tenido la sensación de que, más allá de dar datos o ejemplos, no ahondaba del todo en las cuestiones. Aun así, es una lectura fácil y rápida, que no se hace nada pesada.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like what it says, but it doesn't say it particularly brilliantly or make any really new points. Not sure who would read it that doesn't already agree.
Easy read though.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting arguments, but I wouldn't give this to a die-hard anti-immigration type. It's not THAT convincing. For example, using self-reported measures of English-speaking confidence does not tell me that these children are actually speaking that well. Blah blah blah, you get the point.

[Paul Rausch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and brief exploration of the topic. I personally would have preferred a bit more depth, but that's preference!