Bilingualism and bilingual education: the immersion program in Canada

The aim of my dissertation is to analyze why and how bilingualism in Canada was born and has evolved, diving into bilingual schools in Canada and how bilingual education is offered to children in the two different languages. Firstly, my analyses point to give a general overview of what is meant by bilingualism and bilingual education, and secondly, I will cover some important historical events that have started and have led to the use of the different languages in the country and, thirdly, I will present how the bilingual school system works and is managed in Canada. Then, my study will focus on the Canadian Immersion Schools, their teaching programmes used according to the type of school (kindergarten, primary school and secondary school). In addition, my investigation will point to how students can learn two languages simultaneously and develop effective language skills, both oral and written, in English and French. Furthermore, I will explore if within families the bilingual activity is preserved or it is just restricted to the school environment. Another point which I will cover is related to disability. That is, how the bilingual education at school is handled in those children (deaf). Finally, I will conclude with some personal reflections on the bilingual education system in Canada.