Elite bilingual education in Brazil: perspectives from applied linguistics

Abstract

We are living a historic moment in which the superdiversity creates a
composition and abundance of important variables that affect where, how and with whom people live. In this scenario, the importance of multilingual education in different countries has intensified and, therefore, the creation of elite bilingual schools as well. The objective of this work is to provide an overview of Elite Bilingual Education in Brazil about (i) the growth of these schools, (ii) research in Applied Linguistics programs in Brazilian universities, (iii) the articles with this theme published in journals of Applied Linguistics and (iv) the oral communications that address Elite Bilingual Education presented in conferences and specialized events. Firstly, we present the globalizing multicultural context that holds the interest in the area and discuss its relation to bilingual education. Secondly, we discuss definitions of Bilingual Education and Elite Bilingual Education that circulate in the country. Then we address the research and activities in the Brazilian context, by presenting the number of schools and research in the area, and some researchers with their institutions concerned with the issue. In addition, we make explicit the scenario and the problems in the country. Finally, we point out some shortcomings defined in national surveys, correlated to international.