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Seventh International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education

February 6–9, 2019

The Westin Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA

K1: Putting the puzzle pieces of bilingual language learning together: Lessons from first-, second-, and bilingual language acquisition

Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 5:00 PM–6:30 PM EST
Grand (1100)
Strand

Plenary Session

Immersion/Partner Language(s)

Bilingual language

Level

All

Program Summary/Abstract Description

Recent research on language development in bilingual and multilingual children can provide rich sources of information concerning the nature of linguistic and cognitive skills and the processes of development in bilingual populations.  Language acquisition in normally developing bilingual and multilingual children is influenced by a multitude of interrelated factors, some external to the child (e.g., exposure), some internal (e.g., learned attention).  This talk will discuss such factors and the best explanations for the complex underlying mechanisms whereby bilinguals acquire their languages.  Ramifications and implications for practice, especially for program leaders, teachers, and families, will be laid out.  Best practices hinge crucially on an understanding of these mechanisms, which, in turn, can both allay often misplaced fears and, at the same time, guide us towards optimal ways forward. 

Lead Presenter

Virginia C Mueller Gathercole, Ph.D., Florida International University
Role/Title

Director, Linguistics Program

Co-Presenters

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