Describe the process by which children learn two languages, and compare and contrast simultaneous bilingualism and sequential bilingualism.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. In simultaneous bilingualism, children are exposed to two languages from an early age.
2. Children learning two languages at the same time hit language milestones at about the same points as monolingual speakers and keep the two language systems distinct.
3. They may borrow words or grammar from one language when using the other, but they are able to respond in the appropriate language as early as age 2.
4. In sequential bilingualism, children learn a second language after mastering the first to some degree.
5. Children who learn one language at home and later learn a second language elsewhere, such as in school, generally learn the second language as rapidly as the first, providing they have extensive exposure to the second language across home, school, and neighborhood.
6. Learning of the second language is delayed if children are only exposed to the new language at school.