1st Edition

Enhancing Multilingual Development A Guide for Professionals

By Nadeen T. Ruiz, Andrea García Copyright 2026
184 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

184 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

184 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This accessible volume presents an up-to-date overview of how young children, older youth, and adults develop multilingual proficiencies. Importantly, it highlights an assets view of multilingualism, offering clear recognition that multilingual competencies are both functional and highly valued in communities across the globe. Dispelling common myths, it explores the benefits of multilingualism... Read more

PART I

Introduction

PART II

1.Exploring the Benefits of Multilingualism

2.The Development of Multilingualism

3.Increasing Multilingual Competence in the Home, Community, and Workplace: Applications of the Research on Multilingual Development

4.Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication: Working towards Intercultural Citizenship

Appendix A. True-False Answers to Chapter Anticipation Guides

Appendix B. Optimal Instructional and Professional Development Practices to Enhance Multilingual Development

References

Biography

Nadeen T. Ruiz is Professor Emeritus in bilingual multicultural education at California State University (CSU), Sacramento, USA. Formerly, Dr. Ruiz was Chair of Bilingual Multicultural Education at CSU. Dr. Ruiz is the author of over 40 articles and books on students’ bilingualism and biliteracy, and on the preparation of bilingual teachers, regularly presenting on these topics at national and international conferences.

Andrea García is a principal research associate at Westat. Formerly, Dr. García was an associate professor in literacy studies at Hofstra University, New York, USA, teaching courses in literacy, biliteracy, literacy evaluation, and qualitative research. She continues to pursue her academic interests teaching a graduate course at Columbia University and serves in the executive board of Words of Words Center for Global Literacies and Literatures.