Benefits of Bilingualism

Insights from the Neurosciences

Loaded Words: Bilingual

An individual able to use two or more languages to a greater or lesser extent.

Research

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Research conducted in largely non-laboratory contexts (outside brain), and through anecdotal reporting, is at a cross roads with research conducted in laboratory settings (inside brain).

There are sets of indicators which form evidence clusters.

The clusters suggest that individuals knowing different languages can extend creative conceptual boundaries more effectively than monolingual individuals

Key Emerging Concept

Neuroplasticity

Language Learning affects the neuro-circuitry of the brain and can have a profound impact on brain structures through neuroplasticity.

Changes in the brain’s electrical activity may occur much earlier than previously thought.

Neuro-circuitry

Languages & Experience

Early 2nd Language Adolescent Adult

1st language

2nd Language

Source: Simos et al. Journal of Neurosurgery 95

Added Value

Memory

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Superior functioning in relation to episodic and semantic memory

Episodic memory describes the memory of events linked to episodes (times,places, feelings, and other phenomenon which can be explicitly stated).

Semantic memory describes more general knowledge which, though unrelated to specific experiences or events, is used to help interpret these.

Learning across the Curriculumin

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Any enhanced memory function has bearing on the learning of other subjects in the education curriculum, and on learning in general

Problem-solving

Better in problem-solving that is cognitively demanding

Perception & Thinking Skills

Seeing the world through different lenses

Filtering information

Being able to interpret information and solve problems involves not only deciding what to give attention to, but also what not to give attention to.

Inhibitory control acts like a filter which enables a person to ignore distracting and irrelevant stimuli.

Interpreting InformationUnderstanding that words can have more than one meaning, identifying ambiguity and sub-text in communication, translating words and interpreting concepts.

Digital Literacy

Living in an age of widespread information and communication, and emerging literacies

Interpersonal Skills

Impact reported in terms of understanding and responding to the communicative needs of others; contextual sensitivity; interactional competence in communication; and enhanced skills in differentiating languages in contextually sensitive ways.

Ageing Mind

Dual Language EducationSchools within Schools

Implications

Teaching in EnglishTeaching through English

Methodologies

Thank you!

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