The Netherlands and Flanders are becoming more multilingual. This linguistic diversity makes a society culturally rich, but also brings new challenges. On the one hand, multilingualism is seen as crucial catalyst of citizenship and economy. On the other hand, it is also understood to be the reason as to why students with a multilingual background fall behind in class.
In this book, several writers share their visions, experiences, problems and best practices in the field of multilingualism. Contributions made by language scholars, students, lawyers, artiststs, reintegration consultants, teachers and policy makers, all provide a broad approach to the subject and the value of language diversity.
The book discusses the multilingualism of students with a migratory background in the Netherlands and Flanders. It also reflects on issues from the educational practice in Suriname and St. Eustatius, and on the Frisian language education. The contributors show why we ought to welcome and encourage multilingualism, both inside and outside of the classroom.