According to the Society of Neuroscience, bilingualism not only improves an individual's concentration ability, but might also protect the human brain against age-related diseases (Susan Perry). There is no doubt that bilingualism brings out individual cognitive benefits. But, what about collective advantages? James Fallows effectively addresses those benefits in his article "Viva Bilingualism." The article states that bilingualism is a positive attribute for both Americans and foreigners in the United States. Fallows supports his thesis with two main points. First, he claims that English is no such thing as a polygamy, but, a situation such as having two children. This argument is sustained by three cases: Scandinavians and Swiss' multilingual
…show more content…
The author assumes that his audience is very likely to have a negative attitude towards bilingualism. He mentions that he is aware of American common bilingual separatism: "general disdain of bilingualism and bilingual education..." (260). Hence, probably one of his most desired objectives is to change this attitude. Fallows is unwilling to adapt and stick to this perspective on bilingualism; he wants to convince American people that bilingualism is valuable. Moreover, the author assumes that his audience needs information on both American and non-American positions on the topic. Therefore, he wisely covers both pro and anti bilingualism interests with the previously explained system of counterargument-argument. In this way, he gives his audience a significant amount of what it needs. Moreover, Fallows provides simple and clear cases to unfold his ideas. For instance, he uses the "it is like having two children" (260) explanation of bilingualism to keep it simple and fulfill the audience needs while being effective. Thus, the author is aware of his audience's traits, which allows him to address them
The author assumes that his audience is very likely to have a negative attitude towards bilingualism. He mentions that he is aware of American common bilingual separatism: "general disdain of bilingualism and bilingual education..." (260). Hence, probably one of his most desired objectives is to change this attitude. Fallows is unwilling to adapt and stick to this perspective on bilingualism; he wants to convince American people that bilingualism is valuable. Moreover, the author assumes that his audience needs information on both American and non-American positions on the topic. Therefore, he wisely covers both pro and anti bilingualism interests with the previously explained system of counterargument-argument. In this way, he gives his audience a significant amount of what it needs. Moreover, Fallows provides simple and clear cases to unfold his ideas. For instance, he uses the "it is like having two children" (260) explanation of bilingualism to keep it simple and fulfill the audience needs while being effective. Thus, the author is aware of his audience's traits, which allows him to address them