As we stay up to date on innovations and progress made in the fields of education, cognitive developement, and linguistics,
we've collected some articles of note to share with you. Follow these links to recent articles in the press about language, culture, and
cognitive development:
- "The ABC's of Multilingual Parenting: The Letter H" [Corey, April 11th; multilivingliving.com]
http://www.multilingualliving.com/2011/04/11/the-abcs-of-multilingual-parenting-the-letter-h/2/http://www.multilingualliving.com/2011/04/11/the-abcs-of-multilingual-parenting-the-letter-h/2/
- "Family, Friends, and Français: Tactile and Kinesthetic Activities" [Contributor, April 20th; multiliving.com]
The site "Multilingual living" offers advice for bilingual, or even trilingual, familiess on how to best integrate and solidify multiple languages in a single household. For parents raising children in bilingual homes, the challenge is often inciting children to actually speak their second language! While it is quickly evident that a child understands their less familiar language, children often resist speaking, in spite of comprehension. This article offers tips on engaging your child in his/her second language through at-home activities.
- "Learning a New Language at 50+" [Carol Wheeler, http://www.aarp.org/personal-growth/life-long-learning; Summer 2005]
Starting a new language can be intimidating, especially for individuals who have been speaking English for their entire lives. 69-year old Carol Wheeler gives us a first hand account of her experience learning Spanish. In addition to the pleasure of acquiring a second tougue, Wheeler details the effects earning a language had on her mind: "“Learning a new language is like sending your brain to the gym.” More importantly, Wheeler refutes the argument that older learners are unable to pick another tongue by citing a variety of sensory cues that aid in language acquisition (Qtalk?). See her article for information on the key to learning a language as an adult!
- "Bilingual Toddlers Reap Cognitive Benefits Over Kids Who Speak Just 1 Language" [Monique El-Fayzy, parentdish.com; January 20th, 2011]
http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/bilingual-toddlers-reap-cognitive-benefits
Comparing toddlers who are multi-lingual to those who are bilingual, researchers discovered that the cognitive skills of bilingual children were sharper than those who only had exposure to a single language. Researchers found that bilingual children excelled compared to their peers in several ways. Bilingual children had faster reaction time in confronting a problem; they could more easily differentiate between tasks and object; and lastly, they had longer attention spans. The study suggests that the capacity to switch quickly between two languages at a young age makes the brain more flexible and receptive to problem solving.
- "Tracing the Spark of Creative Problem-Solving" [Benedict Carey, NYtimes.com; December 6th, 2010]
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/science/07brain.html?_r=2&ref=science
In this article, journalist Carey investigates how amusement derived from puzzles and games increases one's creative insight and problem-solving skills. At Tribeca Language, the QTalk apprach makes learning a foreign language a puzzle to be solved. The method enhances the student's intuition and linguistic insight as a result of the dynamic class structure.
- "La i griega aún tiene esperanzas" [Javier Rodriguez Marcos, El Pais.com; September 11th, 2010]
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/sociedad/i/griega/tiene/esperanzas/elpepisoc/20101109elpepisoc_1/Tes
For those Spanish speakers among you, check out this article in "El Pais", the national Spanish newspaper, on revolutionary changes in the grammar and spelling of the Spanish language. The article has intiated some major debates on the authenticity and regionality of language.
- "Does Language Shape how you think" [Guy Deutscher, Nytimes.com; August 26th, 2010]
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/magazine/29language-t.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=language%20&st=cse
Published this summer in the New York Times, this article discusses how language shapes culture. Language influences how we conceptualize the world around us as a result of time and gender markers.
- "From Brain to Language to Accent" [ Elizabeth Landau, Austin News; September 23rd, 2010]
http://www.kxan.com/dpps/health/healthy_living/from-brain-to-language-to-accent_3590720
An informative insight on cognitive development and language acquisition in the human brain.