Colloquium 063: Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh)
NTHU Linguistics Spring, 2019 Colloquium Series present...
Speaker: Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters)
Topic: Why bilingualism matters: from research to society and back again
Venue: HSS Building, Room A202
Abstract: There are many widespread misconceptions about what it means to learn more than one language in childhood: for example, many people still think that early bilingualism makes children confused and puts them at a disadvantage at school. Research, in contrast, shows that where there are differences between monolingual and bilingual children, these are almost invariably in favour of bilinguals: bilingual children tend to have enhanced metalinguistic skills and language learning abilities, a better understanding of other people's points of view, and more mental flexibility in dealing with complex situations. Some of these benefits have also been found in bilingual adults of all ages. I will first illustrate the main facts, myths and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, and some of the implications for families and education. I will then show how the information and public engagement centre Bilingualism Matters is enabling different community sectors, in the UK and internationally, to make informed decisions on bilingualism and language learning. I will conclude that public engagement of research benefits not only society but also research itself.
Speaker: Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters)
Topic: Why bilingualism matters: from research to society and back again
Venue: HSS Building, Room A202
Abstract: There are many widespread misconceptions about what it means to learn more than one language in childhood: for example, many people still think that early bilingualism makes children confused and puts them at a disadvantage at school. Research, in contrast, shows that where there are differences between monolingual and bilingual children, these are almost invariably in favour of bilinguals: bilingual children tend to have enhanced metalinguistic skills and language learning abilities, a better understanding of other people's points of view, and more mental flexibility in dealing with complex situations. Some of these benefits have also been found in bilingual adults of all ages. I will first illustrate the main facts, myths and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, and some of the implications for families and education. I will then show how the information and public engagement centre Bilingualism Matters is enabling different community sectors, in the UK and internationally, to make informed decisions on bilingualism and language learning. I will conclude that public engagement of research benefits not only society but also research itself.