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Summary

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Bilingual language learners are kids who learn two languages at the same time. This can happen when families speak different languages at home. It’s a great skill because it helps people talk to more friends and understand other cultures. Learning two languages can be fun and easy with practice and support from teachers and parents!

Frequently Asked Question

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Can learning two languages benefit children with special needs?

Yes, learning two languages can improve communication and social skills for children with special needs, and it can also support their cultural identity and connection with their family.

Is it too late for older children or adults to become bilingual?

No, it’s never too late to learn a new language. While it may take longer for older children or adults to become fluent, it’s still possible with consistent practice and immersion.

What should parents and teachers do to support bilingual language learners?

Parents and teachers should encourage and celebrate bilingualism, provide opportunities for practice in both languages and work together to create a supportive learning environment.

Scientific Definition

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Bilingual language learners are people learning two languages at once. This can happen when kids grow up in homes where more than one language is spoken. These kids have an advantage because their brains can quickly learn and use both languages. Teachers with bilingual learners must be patient and use different teaching methods. For parents with special needs children, it’s important to encourage learning both languages, as it can help their kids communicate better. Speech-language pathologists can support these kids by using special techniques that make learning two languages more accessible. Bilingualism can help autistic adults connect with others and improve their social skills. In short, learning two languages is a great way to improve communication and build relationships for everyone involved.

Real World Example of Bilingual Language Learners

Meet Susie, a curious and adventurous girl who loves exploring the world around her. As a bilingual language learner, Susie has a special ability that helps her in various aspects of life:

  • Family Connections: Susie’s parents speak different languages, and she can effortlessly communicate with both of them. She can easily switch between languages when talking to her mom or dad.
  • Discovering New Stories: Susie’s love for reading takes her on exciting adventures. She can enjoy books in two languages, exploring different stories and expanding her vocabulary.
  • Connecting with Others: Susie’s bilingual skills allow her to make friends from diverse backgrounds. She can communicate with people who speak different languages, learning about their cultures and making meaningful connections.
  • Confident Traveler: When Susie goes on vacations to different countries, she feels confident and at ease. She can easily interact with locals, order food, and ask for directions in both languages.

Being a bilingual language learner empowers Susie to connect with her family, discover new stories, make friends from different cultures, and navigate the world with confidence.

How Does Bilingual Language Learners Work?

Bilingual language learners have the unique ability to acquire and utilize two languages simultaneously. This concept is observed in various scenarios, offering numerous examples of its practical application.

  • Growing up in multilingual households: Children exposed to multiple languages at home effortlessly learn and communicate in both languages.
  • Language immersion programs: Students immersed in a foreign language environment develop proficiency in that language alongside their native language.
  • Bilingual education: Educational programs that provide instruction in two languages enable students to become fluent in both languages.
  • Language exchange programs: Individuals who engage in language exchange programs mutually learn and practice each other’s languages.
  • Cultural and linguistic diversity: Communities with diverse populations naturally foster bilingual language learning through interactions and exposure to different languages.

These examples demonstrate the practicality and benefits of acquiring and utilizing two languages simultaneously. Goally, our tablet, helps kids develop life and language skills through fun apps like visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and specialized apps for emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills training.

 

This post was originally published on March 31, 2023. It was updated on July 18, 2023.