Language choice at a Hebrew-English bilingual education program at a NYC public school

• In Event: Contemporary Language Ideologies: Hebrew in Contact with Diaspora Languages

Abstract

Language choice is fueled by people’s beliefs and interests concerning the use of language, but language ideology is not necessarily a straightforward force that binds together speakers of a language. As Kroskrity points out, in any context there are multiple language ideologies that interact and inform language use in a context. This multiplicity reflects individuals’ differing interpretive and experiential positions. This presentation explores the varying language ideologies that inform language choice in a Hebrew-English dual language program at a traditional public middle school located in Brooklyn, NY. What makes this context particularly unique is that students attending this program do their social studies component in Hebrew, as well as learn Hebrew culture and language. However, not all of the students are Jewish. The data presented is drawn from ethnographic observations in the classroom, as well as semi-formal interviews with students and faculty. The presentation seeks to explore how varying social and religious values are attached to the choice to use Hebrew in the classroom. It argues that while Hebrew-English bilingualism is a desired goal, in practice, varying practical and ideological factors influence the ways in which choice is determined. These findings speak to the growing trend of increasing Hebrew proficiency in public schooling as a way of bolstering identification with Hebrew culture and Israel.

Author

• Sharon Avni, CUNY