Language breaks barriers

On sophomore Angelica Sirotin’s first day of kindergarten, she barely spoke a word of English. After growing up in a Russian-speaking household, everything from making friends to getting around was a challenge. However, just a few weeks later, she was already familiar with the language.

The ability to communicate in two or more languages is called bilingualism, according to Bruce Downing, associate professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, who specializes in bilingualism.

“There are various degrees of bilingualism. It could be more speaking, or more reading and writing,” Downing said. “You have all the components of two languages in your brain and available to use.”

Nearly 15 percent of students at Park speak a language other than English in their home, and 4.4 percent of students participate in an English as a second language class, according to Lynda Stanley, Park’s automated reporting student system coordinator.

Sirotin said she sees her bilingualism as going beyond knowing more than one language.

“There’s more to you than just your American side,” Sirotin said. “You also have a whole other side to you.”