Bilingualism and systemic psychotherapy: some formulations and explorations.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Bilingualism and systemic psychotherapy: some formulations and explorations.
Authors:	xF3;n#Karamat Ali, Ram&
Source:	Journal of Family Therapy. Nov2004, Vol. 26 Issue 4, p340-357. 18p.
Subjects:	Bilingualism, Emigration & immigration, Psychotherapy, Family psychotherapy, Therapeutics, Psychotherapist-patient relations
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	01634445
DOI:	10.1111/j.1467-6427.2004.00288.x