Celtic Knot Conference 2017/Programme/CK123: Difference between revisions
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'''Title:''' '''Bilingualism in minority languages: a resource and an opportunity.''' | '''Title:''' '''Bilingualism in minority languages: a resource and an opportunity.''' | ||
[[File:Auditorium - University of Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|300px| Auditorium at the University of Edinburgh Business School]] | |||
'''Date:''' 6 July 2017 | |||
''' | '''Time:''' 2pm to 2:30pm. | ||
''' | '''Duration:''' 30 minutes. | ||
'''Venue:''' University of Edinburgh Business School | '''Venue:''' University of Edinburgh Business School - Auditorium. | ||
'''Speakers''': | '''Speakers''': | ||
| Line 12: | Line 14: | ||
'''Overview of topic:'''<br> | '''Overview of topic:'''<br> | ||
Research on the bilingual mind shows that bilingualism in any languages, regardless of their status, prestige, and worldwide diffusion, can give children a range of mental benefits. Equally, child bilingualism is essential to the inter-generational transmission of these languages, and in some cases to their very prospect of survival. However, there are still many widespread old misconceptions – as well as some new ones - about what it means to grow up with two languages. 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 when 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 adult second language learners, both younger and much older. I will first illustrate the main facts and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, focusing in particular on current research on minority languages, including Gaelic. I will then present what can be done to disseminate correct information on bilingualism in different sectors of society and to enable informed decisions in minority language communities. | Research on the bilingual mind shows that bilingualism in any languages, regardless of their status, prestige, and worldwide diffusion, can give children a range of mental benefits. Equally, child bilingualism is essential to the inter-generational transmission of these languages, and in some cases to their very prospect of survival. However, there are still many widespread old misconceptions – as well as some new ones - about what it means to grow up with two languages. 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 when 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 adult second language learners, both younger and much older. I will first illustrate the main facts and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, focusing in particular on current research on minority languages, including Gaelic. I will then present what can be done to disseminate correct information on bilingualism in different sectors of society and to enable informed decisions in minority language communities. | ||
'''Notes:''' [https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Celtic_Knot_-_Keynote_2 Etherpad link]. | |||
'''Supporting material:''' | '''Supporting material:''' | ||
'''Related sessions:''' | '''Related sessions:''' | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 24 May 2017
Title: Bilingualism in minority languages: a resource and an opportunity.
Date: 6 July 2017
Time: 2pm to 2:30pm.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Venue: University of Edinburgh Business School - Auditorium.
Speakers:
- Professor Antonella Sorace, University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters.
Overview of topic:
Research on the bilingual mind shows that bilingualism in any languages, regardless of their status, prestige, and worldwide diffusion, can give children a range of mental benefits. Equally, child bilingualism is essential to the inter-generational transmission of these languages, and in some cases to their very prospect of survival. However, there are still many widespread old misconceptions – as well as some new ones - about what it means to grow up with two languages. 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 when 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 adult second language learners, both younger and much older. I will first illustrate the main facts and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, focusing in particular on current research on minority languages, including Gaelic. I will then present what can be done to disseminate correct information on bilingualism in different sectors of society and to enable informed decisions in minority language communities.
Notes: Etherpad link.
Supporting material:
Related sessions: