Butuyan, Samantha Claire V (LEP Case Analysis)
Butuyan, Samantha Claire V (LEP Case Analysis)
Butuyan, Samantha Claire V (LEP Case Analysis)
Malicdem
BSE English 3-1 Language Programs and Policies in Multilingual Societies
Direction: Read carefully the case presented. Answer the questions found below the
case of Israel.
Israel is a linguistically diverse country consisted of Jewish, Arabs, and immigrants from
Russia and Ethiopia to name a few. Hebrew is the language for everyday
communication by the dominant group, the Israelis. Arabs use a variety of spoken
Arabic at home, they adhere to the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) for writing.
Immigrants like Russians and Ethiopians use their home language. Hebrew and Arabic
are considered as official languages. The first LEP was only documented in 1996. Prior
to this, no policy governs Jewish schools. Various languages were used as a language
of instruction for Hebrew and Arabic were used as the medium of instruction. English
was taught as a foreign language. For Jewish schools, most of the time, Arabic was
taught as a second language, and such is also the case for Arab schools. In 1996, the
LEP of Israel was finalized; the LEP claims to adopt a multilingual principle- that
different languages are used for different purposes. The document explicitly states the
following: For Jewish schools, Hebrew is the official language of instruction. English is
introduced in Grade 4 onward. Arabic and French will be considered as additional
languages and will be taught for a period of three years, starting Grade 7. For Arab
schools, Arabic is the language of instruction and Hebrew will be taught in Grade 3
onward and English starting in Grade 4. Additional languages are encouraged to be
taught. For immigrants, they are encouraged to maintain their home language through
special classes; the national curriculum does not mention anything about the age,
duration, and content, among others, of the teaching of the home languages of the
immigrants.
3. How does the “one language, one nation” mindset of language policy affect
multilingual education?
- It will affect in a sense that this will hinder the sustainability of utilization of multilingual
education. Language policy that is properly managed can help to guarantee that a
foreign language is taught efficiently and integrated into society without having a
negative impact on the learners' first language, culture, and local identity. Also, the role
of language policy adhering to “one language, one nation” has the capacity to set
standards in using the official language which is overt policy. This will also increase the
quality of state education curriculum, teaching, and learning, as well as a policy that
promotes and protects the role of different languages.