Which statement describes additive bilingualism?

Which statement describes additive bilingualism?

• A. L2 replaces L1
• B. Learning L2 doesn't interfere with learning L1
• C. L1 is neglected in favor of L2
• D. L1 and L2 are never used in the same setting

Answer: (B)

Additive bilingualism means gaining a second language while keeping and developing the first. The second language is added without displacing the initial language, so both languages can be used and valued in different contexts. For example, a student might speak Spanish at home and English at school, maintaining strong literacy and cultural ties in Spanish while becoming fluent in English. This is why the statement that describes it best is that learning the second language doesn’t interfere with learning the first. If a program or situation suggested the first language is replaced, neglected, or that the two languages can’t be used together, that would not reflect additive bilingualism.

Additive bilingualism means gaining a second language while keeping and developing the first. The second language is added without displacing the initial language, so both languages can be used and valued in different contexts. For example, a student might speak Spanish at home and English at school, maintaining strong literacy and cultural ties in Spanish while becoming fluent in English. This is why the statement that describes it best is that learning the second language doesn’t interfere with learning the first. If a program or situation suggested the first language is replaced, neglected, or that the two languages can’t be used together, that would not reflect additive bilingualism.