Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in Tongues

Documentary film on multilingual and multicultural education in the United States. The personal, social, and political implications of teaching in languages other than English, and the complex realities of immigrant families' hopes for their children's education. Set in California, in the context of various states considering "English only" legislation. Considers the developmental benefits of multilingual youth education. From PatchWork Productions: "In a time where 31 states have passed English Only initiatives, one urban school district is exploring the provocative notion that speaking a foreign language can be a national asset. We follow four diverse students and their families as they encounter the challenges and delights of becoming fluent in two languages. As we witness their journey, we see how speaking more than one language changes them, their families, their communities, and maybe even the world."

Jarmel, Marcia

Schneider, Ken

2010

English (Spanish and Chinese audio and subtitles)

Film

2010, California, United States

PatchWorks Productions

Documentary

00:57:00

http://speakingintonguesfilm.info (see film trailer here)