Final answer:
A bilingual background is likely to positively affect a student's acquisition of English through bilingual education, as seen in the success of Lucy Alvarez in both academic and professional settings. The acculturation model supports the importance of social integration, and bilingual signage promotes inclusivity. Despite debates on bilingual education, the advantages of bilingualism are evident in various professional fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acquisition of English by a new student in the US, who speaks both Spanish and German at home, will likely be positively influenced by his bilingual background. Research, such as that conducted by Johns Hopkins University, has shown that bilingual education can lead to better progress in learning a new language compared to instruction solely in the new language. By being fluent in Spanish, the student may have an easier time learning English due to the similar structure and vocabulary these two languages share. Moreover, experiences like those of Lucy Alvarez, an ambitious college student pursuing a career in law enforcement, illustrate that bilingualism contributes to academic success and can be a valuable asset in professional environments that value language skills.
In the context of bilingual education, it is also important to highlight the acculturation model of second-language acquisition proposed by UCLA professor John Schumann. His model suggests that social factors such as integration into the community play a crucial role in learning a new language. Additionally, having signs in both English and Spanish in public spaces can reinforce language acquisition and promote cultural inclusivity.
Finally, it's worth noting that while the benefits of bilingualism are well-documented, there are arguments both for and against bilingual education. However, with the growing need for bilingual employees in certain fields, like law enforcement, the practical advantages of maintaining and improving dual-language skills are increasingly recognized.