“The simple act of translating and code-switching is a workout for the brain,” says Valia Spiliotopoulos, a professor at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) and Director of the Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning (CCERBAL). “It’s like exercising a muscle. The more you use these neural pathways, the stronger your brain becomes.”
What about the other benefits of bilingualism? Learn more in this article based on interviews Professor Spiliotopoulos gave to CBC Radio this fall. Listen to the full radio interview in English.
Greater intercultural and socio-emotional sensitivity
Bilingualism and multilingualism also involve social and emotional aspects. For example, those who speak more than one language exhibit greater sensitivity and stronger intercultural skills. They are able to navigate different socio-cultural landscapes more fluidly. On an emotional level, multilingualism makes it easier to express one’s personal identity and fosters empathy. Learning a language opens the mind to different cultures around the world.
Including heritage languages in schools
Languages shape the identity of children, families and communities. Many children grow up speaking one language at home and another at school. Considering the many benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism, schools should aim to include heritage languages more broadly, especially in English-speaking environments.
“In several Canadian provinces and in English-speaking countries, there is a deficit discourse surrounding students who are emerging bilinguals. These students enter the English school system without being fully fluent in the dominant language and are classified as ‘English as a second language’ learners. This label can carry stigma and, paradoxically, lead to their being perceived as less capable.” — Professor Valia Spiliotopoulos
This discourse reflects the monolingual viewpoint of the dominant language, which is most often English. It reflects a context in which monolingual speakers have an advantage over their bilingual or multilingual peers. The socio-emotional impact of being labelled an “English as a second language” learner can foster feelings of insecurity, both linguistic and social, making students less inclined to take linguistic risks in their learning. Paradoxically, in certain settings, this emerging bilingualism may even become a source of anxiety, leading students to question their linguistic, as well as their intellectual or cognitive, abilities.
Fortunately, over the past decade, schools and teachers have been encouraged to acknowledge their students’ linguistic backgrounds and include heritage languages in the classroom to celebrate multilingualism. For instance, students might be invited to write “identity texts” in their two languages, translate between the two, and share aspects of their culture, identity and country of origin with their classmates. These types of activities are intended to encourage inclusion of heritage languages in schools.
Does age matter?
The capacity to learn new languages extends well beyond childhood. At the University of Ottawa, many young adults are discovering French or English through immersion programs and OLBI language courses, proving that learning a new language is possible at any age. Studies show that learning a new language can lead to cognitive advantages, including improved memory, even later in life.
Why choose OLBI to learn a second language or improve your language skills?
OLBI offers English and French as a second language courses designed to meet the needs of all types of adult learners, whether they’re current University of Ottawa students, future students preparing for admission or professionals looking to improve their language proficiency.
OLBI Language Support for staff offers a wide range of language support services, including language courses, intensive workshops and free personalized support to University faculty and staff.
Students can also pursue a major or minor in English or French as a second language to develop their oral and written communication skills while engaging in cultural exploration.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Bilingualism Studies is a one-of-a-kind program available to graduate-level students who wish to specialize in this field.
CCERBAL, where bilingualism research thrives
OLBI also established the Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning (CCERBAL), whose mission is to foster innovation and excellence in research on immersion, language assessment, language policy and language learning technologies.
It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration both nationally and internationally, through research chairs and groups, its scientific publication – the OLBI Journal- research forums, a bi-annual conference, special events and partnerships.
OLBI is the ideal place to learn one of Canada’s official languages, achieve bilingual proficiency and engage with issues of bilingualism and multilingualism in Canada and abroad.