ABSTRACT
In a very real sense the history of bilingualism in Puerto Rico very closely mirrors the political history of the island’s relationship to the United States. When United States armies occupied the island in 1898, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony of nearly a million people. Puerto Rico’s political status has always been a confusing reflection of the US Congress’ ambivalent attitudes towards the acquisition of the island. In July 1947, amendments to the Organic Law gave Puerto Rico autonomy over its educational system so that the Puerto Rican people received the right to determine the role of English and of Spanish in their school system. The adoption of Spanish as the medium of instruction in the island’s schools was seen as a victory for Puerto Rican autonomy and for the conservation of Spanish culture and heritage. The Puerto Rican children who travel between the island and the mainland are not served by either educational system.
