Integration of Content and Language Learning

Abstract

The integration of content and language learning in English as an international language (EIL) is addressed by discussing approaches to content‐centered learning in a second language. These approaches include bilingual education, immersion, content‐based instruction (CBI), content‐based language teaching (CBLT), content and language integrated learning (CLIL), and English medium instruction (EMI). The multiplicity of terms can cause confusion, and indeed debate continues as to what the distinctions are between them. While all of these approaches encompass a shared endeavor of fostering additive bilingualism through a dual focus on both content and language learning, they also raise a number of questions regarding the implications of EIL for content‐integrated approaches. Each approach is presented in turn, taking into consideration the perspective of EIL, in addition to English as a lingua franca (ELF). Current research indicates it is important to be critical of integrating content and language learning, particularly in EMI programs.