Bilingualism

BILINGUALISM IN CHILDREN

Research has revealed a host of positive results for pupils who are bilingual. Bilingualism increases creativity and thought processing, leading to improved ability in problem solving and finding new ways to use information. Bilingualism does not slow down language development it can enhance learning and linguistics.

Looking to the future, being bilingual can foster personal interaction in social settings and open up different career opportunities. After acquiring one new language, it can be easier to learn another.  The skill mixing of languages requires a high level of neurological processing.

The Jai Jais books embrace bilingualism in children’s vocabulary development from a very early age with our board books, and also in the Yoga and Mindfulness cards through teaching Sanskrit and Hindu words. We have glossaries in the books to explain certain terminology, aided with pictures for word associations and semantics.

ADVANTAGE OF BEING A BILINGUAL CHILD

  1. Research has shown that bilingual children:
  1. Being able to learn new words easily.
  1. Better sound awareness and good at reading.
  1. Being able to use information in new ways.
  1. Putting words into categories.
  1. Coming up with solutions to problems.
  1. Good listening skills.
  1. Bilingual have increased creativity and thinking skills.
  1. Perform better academically.
  1. Adept in social situations.
  1. Increased job opportunities.
  1. Learning another language easier.
  1. High level of neurological processing required to mix the languages.

BE BILINGUAL BE PROUD!!!

 

TOP TIPS FOR BILIGUAL SPEAKERS

  1. It is important that you continue to use ALL the languages introduced to the child.
  2. Do NOT be concerned about mixing different languages in one sentence. This is natural for a bilingual speaker.
  3. The focus should be on helping the child feel SUCCESSFUL in giving and receiving a message.
  4. Continue speaking your chosen language/s even if the child replies in a different language. The important thing is that the message has been understood.
  5. Use short phrases with lots of hand gestures and facial expressions, as well as EMPHASIS in your voice. This will help the child understand the meaning behind the words.
  6. ENCOURAGE all attempts to communicate, whichever language is used, giving lots of praise. Use nursery rhymes and stories from ANY culture/language.

 

SUNITA’S BACKGROUND IN BILINGUALISM

Sunita has developed a specialist interest in Bilingualism since 1999. Sunita was Chair of the Clinical Excellence Network in Bilingualism (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy) for 10 years, and has supported her professional body as an advisor for the United Kingdom. Sunita has gained a wide range of knowledge and experience of working with clients from diverse communities, with a range of language, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Sunita is multi-lingual: Gujarati is her home language, she is semi fluent in Hindi and Urdu, and comprehends basic Punjabi. She has provided training to NHS departments, schools and nurseries in the UK and Northern Ireland in bilingual matters and working with children and families from diverse communities. Sunita was a Honorary lecturer at Essex University, and University of Central London.