4th Dec 2014: One Brain, Two Languages; Bringing Up a Bilingual Child by Madeleine Beveridge

Come along to The Counting House at 7pm to listen to Madeleine’s talk. Share a crust of bread, and hear the reflections she has to share…

Title of talk:

One brain, two languages: bringing up a bilingual child

Bullet points of what you would like to talk about:

What worries do people have about bringing up a bilingual child?
What are these concerns based on?
What does research tell us about whether or not these concerns are justified?

16th March: Language learning in children and adults; A day with Antonella Sorace

Bilingualism matters

1400 to 1600 on the Mezzanine level of the Central Library on 16th March
A special day to hear Professor Antonella Sorace and ask her questions.

Language Learning In Children And Adults: Why It Always Matters

Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters)

Any child can learn more than one language without any effort. Bilingualism makes children’s brain more flexible, improves their attention, and gives them a range of benefits that last a lifetime. But what about learning a second language later in life?

Many people think it is difficult for adults to learn a second language well, but research shows that adults can reach very high proficiency levels and get many mental advantages too.

The More, The Merrier: Facts And Beliefs About The Bilingual Mind by Antonella Sorace

Anyone who has seen a small child switching from one language to another is likely to be amazed and perhaps envious at how effortlessly they are able to do this. Stories of immigrant children interpreting for their parents are commonplace, and in some parts of the world it is quite normal for children to be exposed to two or even more languages right from birth. Yet in modern industrial societies growing up with more than one language is often regarded as ‘special’. Read more…