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I find it interesting that full or partial-immersion programs are touted and sought after by native English speakers wanting their kids to become bilingual or at least comfortable in the language. And yet, immersion isn't considered the best way to educate a new immigrant.
My father emigrated to the US at the age of 8. His siblings were 7 and 5. Back then, there was no ESOL. The student was put in a classroom and forced to speak and learn the language. All 3 siblings were completely fluent within a year and do not speak English with an accent. My grandparents learned English (they knew a little when they arrived here as adults) but always spoke with an accent. They still spoke their native language at home and the siblings that were born in the US are also bilingual.
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....but some are more equal than others.
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