ABSTRACT
Much of the debate on bilingual education is wasteful, ironic, hypocritical, xenophobic, and regressive. It is wasteful because instead of directing attention to sound educational practices, it has led to advocating specific “models” based solely on what language should be used for what purpose. It is ironic because most attacks on bilingual education arise from an unfounded fear that English will be neglected in the United States, whereas, in fact, the rest of the world fears the opposite; the attraction of English and interest in American culture are seen by non-English-speaking nations as a threat to their own languages and cultures (Brutt-Griffler, 2002). It is hypocritical because most opponents of using languages other than English for instruction also want to promote foreign language requirements for high school graduation. It is xenophobic because it reflects negative attitudes toward groups of people seen as different. Finally, it is regressive because the rest of the world considers ability in at least two languages to be the mark of good education.
