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Early Language Learning and Multilingualism: Scottish and European Perspectives

Early Language Learning and Multilingualism: Scottish and European Perspectives BILINGUALISM MATTERS. EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING: WHY INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT Antonella Sorace University of Edinburgh & Bilingualism Matters antonella@ling.ed.ac.uk Scottish Parliament , 4 February 2013 .

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Early Language Learning and Multilingualism: Scottish and European Perspectives

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  1. Early Language Learning and Multilingualism: Scottish and European Perspectives BILINGUALISM MATTERS

  2. EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING: WHY INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT Antonella Sorace University of Edinburgh & Bilingualism Matters antonella@ling.ed.ac.uk Scottish Parliament , 4 February 2013

  3. The context • 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.

  4. Many people believe that…. ”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!

  5. Why starting languages early is good • Young children learn one or more languages naturally, without conscious effort.

  6. Bilingualism = a lot more than two languages • 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.

  7. So, what can be done? ATTITUDES TOWARDS BILINGUALISM NEED TO CHANGE INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

  8. A Scottish initiative: Bilingualism Matters • Since Oct 2008: • 62 community talks • 92 seminars to international companies and organizations • 48 media articles and interviews

  9. Bilingualism Matters branches in Scotland and Europe Flere språk til flerein Tromsø, Norway: Bilingualism Matters in the Western Isles in Stornoway: Me 2 Glosses in Thessaloniki, Greece: Bilinguismo Contain Trento, Italy: Bilinguismu Creschet in Cagliari, Sardinia:

  10. Bilingualism Matters wants to… • 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 policiesfor promoting early bilingualism in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe

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

  12. Early language learning: Scottish and European experiences • 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?

  13. LET THE DEBATE BEGIN!

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