25 February 2025
Many people still think that bilingualism with minority or minoritized languages makes children confused and puts them at a disadvantage at school. Research, in contrast, shows that having more than one language – any language – can potentially give children (and then adults) not only enhanced cultural awareness but also social, linguistic and mental benefits.
However, the presence of these benefits in bilingualism with minority languages crucially depends on positive, supportive and informed attitudes around children and relies on firm community foundations for inter-generational transmission. In her talk, Professor Sorace will illustrate these facts and show how the Bilingualism Matters Centre enables families, teachers and policy makers – in Scotland and internationally – to make decisions on bilingualism informed by research.
This lecture is part of the institute’s Bilingualism Series, coordinated by Dr. Julio Villa-Garcia (University of Oviedo). Additional information about the event can be found on Manchester - City of Literature:
This event is in-person at the Instituto Cervantes Manchester and will be held in English.
