新063次專題演講公告

講者：Professor Antonella Sorace

(University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters)

講題：Why bilingualism matters: from research to society and back
again

時間：2019年4月23日下午12時30分

地點：人社院A202演講廳


摘要：
There are  many widespread misconceptions about what it means to learn more
than one language in childhood: 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 where 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 bilingual adults of all ages. I will first illustrate the main
facts, myths and benefits of bilingualism over the lifespan, and some of the
implications for families and education. I will then show how the
information and public engagement centre Bilingualism Matters is enabling
different community sectors, in the UK and internationally, to make informed
decisions on bilingualism and language learning. I will conclude that public
engagement of research benefits not only society but also research itself.