Bridging the gap between researchers and the community Francesca La Morgia
Disseminate information on bilingualism Bring together researchers working in different fields Create partnerships with similar organisationsWork with communities across Ireland Play a role in language policy Provide guidance for multilingual education
What we do Website Forum Resources Talks and workshops Schools Community groups Parents’ associations Professionals Bulletin
Latest projects DocumentaryLeafletLaunchEAL 2009Research links
Agenda Raise awareness of the benefits of bilingualism Eliminate misconceptions Encourage use of native language Importance of speaking different languages/dialects Cognitive, social, linguistic benefits of bilingualism Educate parents Educate professionals who work with bilingual children Bilingualism does not hinder the child’s linguistic development Mixing is not a sign of confusion... Short courses on: -Linguistic strategies and dynamics -The benefits of bilingualism -Using the minority language Teacher training Information sessions
Linguistic minorities...and Irish? Is multilingualism a risk for Irish?Universal benefitsThe role of BFI