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Joachim lives in the United States. His mother speaks to him in Spanish. His father speaks to him in German. His parents hope that Joachim will ________

a) speak English with an accent
b) become a fluent trilingual
c) experience a language shift
d) not learn English

User Nawlrus
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Final answer:

Joachim's parents likely hope he will become fluent in English, Spanish, and German, making him a fluent trilingual in a diverse society. This multilingual skill set, as exemplified by characters such as Lucy in law enforcement, can lead to academic and professional success. Multilingual individuals are highly valuable in today's globalized world. Therefore, the correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Joachim lives in the United States, where his mother speaks to him in Spanish, and his father speaks to him in German. Given this multilingual environment, his parents likely hope that Joachim will become a fluent trilingual, mastering not only Spanish and German but also English, which is the dominant language in the U.S. The experience of characters like Lucy in the provided text supports the notion that bilingualism, and by extension trilingualism, contributes to both academic and professional success in a multicultural society. Additionally, Lucy's proficiency in Spanish aids her in her law enforcement career, highlighting the value of language skills in serving diverse communities.

Furthermore, studies such as those conducted by UCLA professor John Schumann emphasize the importance of acculturation in language acquisition, which supports the idea that through everyday exposure and social interaction, Joachim has the opportunity to become proficient in English, assuming he integrates with native English speakers. Given that research suggests that equitable practices in language education, like code-switching, can enhance learning, Joachim's multilingual upbringing positions him well to be an effective communicator across cultures.

User Ansate
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