Plurilingualism

Plurilingualism

 

Plurilingualism is a fundamental trait of a world characterized by mobility and change (Piccardo, 2013). A plurilingual approach sees linguistic competences as entwined and interrelated to form a dynamic and composite competence, allowing students to develop more effective learning strategies using all the linguistic and cultural tools at their disposal (Coste, 2014; Coste, Moore & Zarate, 2009; Council of Europe, 2001). Students’ home languages and cultures are acknowledged and valued in the learning activities, essential to easing the integration of students coming from migrant families into schools and society (Boix-Mansilla & Jackson, 2011; Cummins, 2007). In addition, the awareness-raising process that plurilingualism fosters helps students to broaden and diversify their linguistic and cultural profile in a life-long learning process.