Table 2.

Summary of key challenges, points of discussion, and recommendations.

Challenges

• BQ would need to account for heterogenous variables related to language ability, history, and context.

• Language exposure, use, and ability change over time, and the relationships among variables vary across populations.

• Some language background variables capture qualitative differences that do not clearly index a relative “degree” of bilingualism.

Discussion Questions

• What would a BQ represent?

• Is it possible to operationalize all relevant factors along a continuum of bilingualism?

• What criteria and principles could be used to establish a bilingual continuum?

Recommendations

• Use of large, diverse datasets and advanced statistical methods to select and weight attributes.

• Implement flexible methods of administering, weighting, and scoring (e.g., rely on several agreed-upon categories with multiple specific attributes within each to select among).

• Variable standards of comparison based on demographic characteristics to determine relative bilingualism.

• Include mechanisms for assessing change over time.

• Establish norms and procedures for reporting and depositing data.