Bilingualism and systemic psychotherapy: some formulations and explorations |
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Authors: | Ramón Karamat Ali |
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Institution: | Principal Therapist, Foster Care Associates (South West), Ground Floor, Lyster Court, The Millfields, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3JB, UK.; E-mail: |
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Abstract: | Bilingualism has risen dramatically due to increased migration patterns all over the world. This paper offers an overview of the current literature dealing specifically with bi- and multilingualism, and identifies a gap in systemic and family therapy literature about the subject of bilingualism. In the light of this, the author proposes a working definition of bilingual families. Some case examples illustrate different aspects of working systemically with a bilingual family and highlight potential challenges for a therapist, such as the assumption of more knowledge and expertise. The tools suggested relate to a rethinking of some modernist ideas regarding hypothesizing, and both the use of a social constructionist perspective and of self of the (bilingual) family therapist. A case is made for the exploration of meanings of difference including the lingua-cultural one. The author ends with a plea to start including more specific cultural issues such as bilingualism in systemic therapy practice. |
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