Calandreta

A Calandreta (Occitan pronunciation: [kalanˈdɾɛtɔ]) is a bilingual school in Occitania in the South of France where the Occitan language is taught alongside the French language. These schools are based on the same principle as the Diwan schools of Brittany, as well as the Gaelscoileanna movement in Ireland, the Ikastolak movement in the Basque Country, the Ysgolion Meithrin movement in Wales, and the La Bressola schools of Northern Catalonia.[1]

Bilingualism from an early age is recommended by many linguists, as it helps children become more adept at learning additional languages. Some studies have shown that bilingual children have advantages over monoglot children in other subjects.[2]

The first Calandreta appeared in 1979 in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Fifty-five primary schools exist as of 2013, as well as two high schools comprising about 3278 students in all. The Calandretas are privately run, secular and free of charge. They follow a program approved by the Ministry of National Education.[3]

References

  1. ↑ (French) L'immersion : une stratégie pour le bilinguisme
  2. ↑ Bialystok and Hakuta (1994). In Other Words: The Science and Psychology of Second-Language Acquisition. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0-465-03281-8.
  3. ↑ w:fr:École Calandreta
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