The purpose of this presentation is to argue that the traditional division between bilingual education programmes offered to speakers of majority, normally international languages and those available to minority language speakers in Colombia should be reconsidered within a wider integrated vision of bilingual provision. Initially, developments will be situated in relation to the sociolinguistic context of language use in the country, where many minority Amerindian and Creole first language speakers become bilingual by learning the dominant language of society, Spanish. Majority Spanish first language speakers, on the other hand, are interested in becoming bilingual in international languages such as French and English, to enhance their chances of future employment both within Colombia and at a global level. There will then follow a brief historical account of how and why bilingual education started in ethnic minority contexts in relation to the present day situation. Developments will charted in Amerindian and Afro-Caribbean community contexts, with a consideration of both advances and certain difficulties which need to be resolved if these programmes are to become more effective in the future. The main focus of the article, however, is on the situation of bilingual programmes for majority language speakers, particularly learners of English, related to both a historical perspective and current situation and effectiveness. Based on the results of recent ethnographic research, factors influencing the spread of this type of bilingual education provision will be analysed. Finally, possible areas of convergence between the two traditions will be indicated as ways forward for the future. These include: the maintenance and loss of cultural identity, the status and development of the first language, the availability of appropriate teacher development opportunities, and the development of positive attitudes towards difference and diversity.

This paper will appear as part of the forthcoming International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism Special Issue - Bilingual Education in South America - Guest Editor: Anne-Marie de Mejía.