Early Language Learning and Multilingualism: Scottish and European Perspectives

BILINGUALISM MATTERS

EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING: WHY INFORMATION IS

IMPORTANTAntonella Sorace

University of Edinburgh & Bilingualism Mattersantonella@ling.ed.ac.uk

Scottish Parliament , 4 February 2013

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• Multilingualism is becoming more and more common, but we are confronted with these facts:

– lack of information– many misconceptions about child bilingualism – language learning a low priority in the UK

• Opportunities for early language learning don’t exist or are missed.

The context

”BILINGUAL CHILDREN ARE CONFUSED, THEY END UP NOT SPEAKING ANY LANGUAGE PROPERLY”

“BILINGUALISM SLOWS DOWN THE CHILD’S GENERAL DEVELOPMENT” 

“BILINGUALISM UNDERMINES PERFORMANCE IN THE MAIN LANGUAGE AT SCHOOL”

“BILINGUALISM IS USEFUL ONLY IF BOTH LANGUAGES ARE WIDELY SPOKEN”

NO BASIS FOR THESE IDEAS!4

Many people believe that….

• Young children learn one or more languages naturally, without conscious effort.

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Why starting languages early is good

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• Children who know two languages tend to:

– have enhanced reading skills – learn other languages more easily – have better awareness of other people’s points of view– have enhanced focused attention and mental flexibility

• The benefits of bilingualism continue to be maintained across the life span, from childhood to old age.

Bilingualism = a lot more than two languages

ATTITUDES TOWARDS BILINGUALISM NEED TO CHANGE

INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL

PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

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So, what can be done?

• Since Oct 2008:

– 62 community talks– 92 seminars to

international companies and organizations

– 48 media articles and interviews

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A Scottish initiative:Bilingualism Matters

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Flere språk til flere in Tromsø, Norway:

Bilingualism Matters in the Western Isles in Stornoway:

Me 2 Glosses in Thessaloniki, Greece:

Bilinguismo Conta in Trento, Italy:

Bilinguismu Creschet in Cagliari, Sardinia:

Bilingualism Matters branchesin Scotland and Europe

• Raise awareness of the facts and advantages of bilingualism in any languages.

• Establish communication channels and resources for the encouragement of bilingualism in Scotland and Europe.

• Contribute to shaping language policies for promoting early bilingualism in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe

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Bilingualism Matters wants to…

• Bilingualism Matters gave a contribution to the Scottish Government’s “1+2” proposal on foreign language learning in primary schools.

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The Scottish Government’s 1+2 proposal: a real turning point

• How does the 1+2 plan for Scotland compare with early language learning in other European countries?

• What good examples could be followed or adapted?

• Which problems could be avoided?• How could we best respond to

challenges?12

Early language learning:Scottish and European experiences

LET THE DEBATE BEGIN!

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