Cultural Integration in a Dual Immersion Program in Rural Indigenous Schools in Mexico

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-17 - Language Acquisition and Identity in Dual Language School Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative study documents the experiences of 20 teachers and leaders in 7 rural schools in the Amuzgo-speaking region of Guerrero who are seeking to implement a dual immersion bilingual program that has as one of its goals the prevention of language and culture loss in the local communities. Focus is on the ways in which the indigenous culture is integrated into curriculum, instruction, and program design. Data sources include classroom observations, focus groups, individual interviews, and participant observation. Cultural values were found to permeate all aspects of program implementation, including the selection of topics for thematic units in conjunction with community members and in response to community needs. The role of the school in preventing linguicide is highlighted.

Author

• Leslie Reese, California State University - Long Beach