Review and Analysis of the Colombian Foreign Language Bilingualism Policies and Plans

• Published in: HOW - A Colombian journal for teachers of English Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 139 - 156
• Main Author: Gómez Sará, Mary Mily
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: ASOCOPI, the Colombian Association of Teachers of English 01-01-2017; Asociación Colombiana de Profesores de Inglés; Asociación Colombiana de Profesores de Ingles
• Subjects: Advantaged; Bilingualism; Bilingualism plans; Criticism; Educational History; educational policies; Elementary Secondary Education; Employment Potential; English (Second Language); English as a foreign language; Foreign Countries; Foreign Policy; French; Guidelines; Higher Education; Language of Instruction; Latin; LINGUISTICS; Misconceptions; National Programs; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Spanish; Teacher Attitudes; Colombia; Europe; educational policies; Bilingualism plans; English as a foreign language; inglés como lengua extranjera; planes de bilingüismo; políticas educativas
• ISSN: 0120-5927; 0120-5927
• DOI: 10.19183/how.24.1.343

This article reviews the background of the foreign language bilingualism in Colombia, as well as the Colombian bilingualism plans and the policy launched between 2004 and 2016. Then, these plans and policy are analyzed taking into account the most common criticisms from the academic community. In this sense, aspects such as the lack of continuity, emphasis on employability, misconceptions of bilingualism, privileged position of English, adoption of the Common European Framework of Reference, English instruction as a way of business, and omission of teachers' voices are analyzed.