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Bilingualism and English as an additional language

2 Mar 2012

Being bilingual is great and linguistic diversity is something  that should be celebrated, promoted and supported in your setting. Even though early difficulties could arise when raising a bilingual child, this is very rare if good practice is used and in the long run it proves to be beneficial in a number of ways.  Often percieved that a child will become confused by the multiple language influence, the child instead learns to distinguish and develop the differences.  Where possible, it is encouraged to expose a child to diffrerent languages.

Families should be encouraged to continue to use their home languages as far as possible as they are central for the child's communication, social, and emotional development. Language links us to our family, community and friends; and this is vital for a young child's sense of self. Practitioners and professionals working with EAL learners should try to develop a good sense of understanding of the child's linguistic and cultural background when they enter the setting and try to work collaboratively with families as far as possible. 

Articles about bilingual communication

• The first years last forever - at the 2009 TTYB conference, Charmian Kenner gave a key-note presentation about babies and bilingualism
• All about...bilingualism
• Giving the gift of a language - an article about introducing a second language to children
• Early dual language learning
• The relationship between language and culture
• Mother tongues
• Language allstars

Tips and guides for biliginual communication

• Bilingual guide for parents - from Nursery World
• Problem solved - advice column answering a mother's question about what language to speak at home
• Kheli-Boli ("Play-Talk") Sure Start project, Tower Hamlets, London*
• Parents' frequently asked questions
• Supporting and celebrating the achievement of bilingual under-fives - good practice in schools
• Tips for parents to help children learn their home language and English

Research about Bilingualism

• The cognitive consequences of bilingualism

Useful contacts about bilingual communication

• www.londonsigbilingualism.co.uk/ - This website includes a wide range of resources for Speech and Language Therapists working with children and families from diverse cultures. It provides detailed resources from bilingual theories, culture, to language development, assessment and intervention.
• www.mothertonguematters.com - This is a voluntary group to help anybody who wants to promote, learn or pass on their mother tongue.
• www.wfbilingual.org.uk This is a local volunteer community group set up by parents who want to share their experiences of raising children bilingually. They aim to provide support for parents and promote multilingualism. They hold events, drop in and play sessions and workshops.

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