How do bilingual students typically approach English writing?

Bilingual students often approach English writing by relying on their primary language proficiency. This means they draw on the linguistic skills and structures they have developed in their first language to help them in writing in English. Their understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary in their native language can influence how they formulate sentences and express ideas in English. This reliance can be beneficial, as it allows them to leverage their existing language knowledge while they are still developing their English skills. Recognizing this connection can help educators provide more effective support tailored to their needs, such as allowing space for translation or code-switching as they progress in their writing capabilities.

Focusing on vocabulary development alone does not capture the broader linguistic influences at play, as bilingual students engage with their entire linguistic repertoire. Using only English grammar excludes the important contributions from their primary language. While some bilingual writers might not consider their primary language, it’s generally recognized that their background plays a significant role in shaping their writing processes in a second language.