Benefits of

Biculturalism
 The Benefits of Biculturalism

Considering the all the difficulties our ELLs may

face as they adapt to a different culture and a new
language, all the while dealing with the trials of
childhood and adolescence, it might be beneficial to
let them know that they are becoming not only
bilingual, but also bicultural. And that gives them
certain advantages!
 Bilingualism vs. Biculturalism:

Bilingualismis the ability to communicate in

two languages. It generally implies writing,
reading, and speaking fluently, although the
term is also sometimes applied to individuals
who are only bilingual speakers, and not literate
in a second language.

 Biculturalism is an immersion in two distinct

cultures, implying participation in traditional heritage
practices like food, dress, family traditions, folklore
and folk art, etc. (Bilingualism vs. Biculturalism? the
Curious Case of the Japanese Brazilians)

[They] take part, to varying degrees, in the life of two

or more cultures. They adapt their attitudes,
behaviours, and values to these cultures and they
combine and blend aspects of the cultures
involved( http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/life-
bilingual/201105/how-cultures-combine-and-blend-
in-person)).

 The many advantages to being bicultural include

having a greater number of social networks, being
aware of cultural differences, and being an
intermediary between cultures.

In a paper comprising three studies, researchers

Carmit Tadmor, Adam Galinsky and William
Maddux stated that biculturals have an enhanced
ability to carefully weigh the merits of alternative
perspectives. They view things from these different
perspectives and integrate them into a coherent
whole. They also recombine different existing
ideas to make novel connections between
concepts.
What are the implications of this concept in the
classroom?

Understanding that biculturalism is an advantage to

our students that needs to be exploited has
implications for lesson planning. We are not it the
business of replacing one culture for another, so
encouraging our students to make connections with
their own cultural background is essential.

How can you demonstrate greater sensitivity and

increase your own intercultural awareness even
before an ELL arrives in your classroom?

Making connections with the family, interpreters

and seeking information about the cultures that
our ELLs are from, is an important first step in
designing eective lessons and units.

How has this area deepened your understanding of

culturally responsive pedagogy?

I feel that biculturalism is something that many of

our ELLs peers have already attained and is a
wonderful resource. These students could really
benefit from our placing more value on
biculturalism as well.

 Reference

Carmit T. Tadmor, Adam D Galinsky & William W.

Maddox (2012). Getting the most out of living
abroad: Biculturalism and integrative complexity as
key driver of creative and professional success.
Journal of Personality (https://
www.psychologytoday.com/basics/personality) and
Social Psychology, 103,3,520-542.