Upcoming events

  • Thu
    04
    Dec
    2014

    One brain, two languages: bringing up a bilingual child

    19:00The Counting House, West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh

    Free event, open to all.
    Hosted by Ragged University.

  • Sat
    06
    Dec
    2014

    Being Bilingual is Good for You!

    12:00 - 1:30 pmKilmallie Free Church, Caol nr Fort William

    Free event, open to all.
    Childcare and toddler play session provided.
    Leaflet: Growing up Bilingual is Good for You

  • Tue
    20
    Jan
    2015

    Primary school information series: Leith Walk Primary

    13:30Leith Walk Primary

    This event is open to all parents and carers of pupils at Leith Walk Primary School, Edinburgh.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

    This event is organised in collaboration with Leith Walk Primary School and Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service.

    Find out more about Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service on their website: Edinburgh EAL

  • Thu
    22
    Jan
    2015

    Primary school information series: James Gillespies Primary

    18:30James Gillespies Primary

    This event is open to all parents and carers of pupils at the following Edinburgh primary schools:

    • James Gillespies
    • Bruntsfield
    • Sciennes
    • South Morningside
    • Prestonfield
    • Royal Mile
    • Buckstone

    Families welcome.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

    This event is organised in collaboration with James Gillespies Primary School and Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service.

    Find out more about Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service on their website: Edinburgh EAL

  • Tue
    03
    Feb
    2015

    Language learning across the lifespan

    14:00 - 16:00University of Edinburgh

    **Please note this event is now fully booked**

    Workshop and information session with adult second language learners.

    This is a joint event organised with YaketyYak Language cafe, and the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
    Yaketyyak language cafe
    Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology

  • Tue
    03
    Feb
    2015

    Primary school information series: Flora Stevenson Primary

    18:30Flora Stevenson Primary

    This event is open to all parents and carers of pupils at Flora Stevenson Primary School, Edinburgh.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Tue
    10
    Feb
    2015

    Language learning across the lifespan

    14:00 - 16:00University of Edinburgh

    **Additional event due to popular demand**
    **Please note this event is now fully booked**

    Workshop and information session with adult second language learners.

    This is a joint event organised with YaketyYak Language cafe, and the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
    Yaketyyak language cafe
    Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology

  • Mon
    16
    Feb
    2015

    Speaking in Tongues: Film screening and discussion

    15:00 - 17:00University of Edinburgh

    Join us for a screening of award-winning film "Speaking in Tongues" (60 minutes) followed by discussion and Q&A with Professor Antonella Sorace.

    This event is free and open to all, but booking is essential.

    Reserve your place now at the following link:

    Or visit Eventbrite for more information

    This event is part of the University of Edinburgh's Innovative Learning Week. Find out more:
    Innovative learning week at the University of Edinburgh

  • Fri
    20
    Feb
    2015

    Scotland, People and Language Forum

    9:00 - 13:00Atlantic Quay, Glasgow

    Half-day workshop for practitioners from all sectors who deal with language diversity in their work. This is a free event, but booking is essential.

    For more details including full agenda and registration form, please follow the link below:
    Scotland, People and Language Forum

    This is a joint event organised in partnership with Gathered Together and Education Scotland.
    Gathered Together
    Education Scotland

  • Tue
    10
    Mar
    2015

    Early years information series: Strawberry Hill nursery

    18:30 - 19:30Strawberry Hill nursery

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Strawberry Hill nursery, Edinburgh.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your child's nursery to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session.

  • Tue
    17
    Mar
    2015

    Multilingualism across the lifespan: myths, science, and realistic expectations

    15:30 - 17:00University of Edinburgh

    gather logo white on pink

    Free public lecture and discussion on what the evidence says about learning more than one language - at any age.

    Cost: Free

    Registration: Book your place today

    More information:
    This event is part of the Gather Festival - celebrating the rich cultural diversity at the University of Edinburgh. Find out more on the festival website:
    Gather Festival

  • Thu
    19
    Mar
    2015

    Bilingualism Evening: Scottish-Finnish Society

    19:00The Counting House, West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh



    The Scottish-Finnish Society is organising an evening of information and discussion about bringing up bilingual children. The event is open to everyone with an interest in this topic.

    Talks from Prof. Antonella Sorace (Bilingualism Matters) and Jenni Syrjälä (Scottish-Finnish Society).

    Cost: Free

    More information: Bilingualism Evening facebook event

    Find out more about the Scottish-Finnish Society on their website:Scottish-Finnish Society.

  • Wed
    15
    Apr
    2015

    Me and granny are learning Spanish: is it ever too late to learn a second language?

    20:00 - 21:30Summerhall, main hall, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh International Science Festival logo

    This event is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival

    What happens when someone learns another language and does speaking two affect how our brains develop and age? Is it already too late for those of us who only speak English? Prof Antonella Sorace and Dr Thomas Bak will take you on the journey of a language learner’s brain, from infancy to old age, sharing what language-learning can do for us. They will be joined by zoologist and lifelong monolingual Prof Aubrey Manning alongside Louise Glen from Education Scotland to discuss language policy and the public health and social side-effects of a national shortage of language skills.

    This event will have full British Sign Language interpretation.
    If you'd like to access the interpreters, please let us know via email after booking so that we can make sure you are seated appropriately.

    Cost: £8/£6

    Booking: via the Edinburgh International Science festival website

  • Wed
    13
    May
    2015

    Bilingualism Matters: Open studies event at the University of Glasgow

    10:00am-12:00noonCentre for Open Studies, St Andrew's Building, University of Glasgow


    Join Dr Martha Robinson in this 2 hour event exploring the myths and realities of bilingualism as part of the University of Glasgow's 2015 Open Studies Programme.

    Cost: £15.00
    Registration: Centre for Open Studies, University of Glasgow

    Bilingualism Matters at Glasgow open studies poster

  • Thu
    14
    May
    2015
    Fri
    15
    May
    2015

    AThEME project consortium

    University of Edinburgh

    AThEME project logo

    We are pleased to welcome 50+ researchers from the EU funded AThEME project (Advancing the European Multilingual Experience) for this two day consortium meeting.
    Registration for this event is now closed

  • Thu
    14
    May
    2015

    Early years information series: Cowgate nursery

    18:15 - 19:15Cowgate nursery, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Cowgate nursery, Edinburgh.

    If your child attends nursery elsewhere and this topic interests you, please contact your child's nursery to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us.

  • Wed
    03
    Jun
    2015

    Primary school information series: Leith Primary

    13:30Leith primary

    This event is open to all parents and carers of pupils at Leith Primary.

    If this topic interests you but your child attends a different school, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session.

    This event is organised in collaboration with Leith Primary School and Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service.

    Find out more about Edinburgh English as an Additional Language service on their website: Edinburgh EAL

  • Tue
    09
    Jun
    2015

    Bilingual Children with Language Impairment: Assessment and Diagnosis

    05:50Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

    Workshop led by Dr. Vicky Chondrogianni as part of NHS Lothian Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy: Annual Study Day

  • Thu
    11
    Jun
    2015

    Early Years Training with Afasic Scotland

    10:00 - 13:00Eric Liddell Centre, Edinburgh

    Workshop led by Bilingualism Matters Deputy Director Dr. Vicky Chondrogianni for social workers, community nurses and health visitors.

    This is a joint training session with Afasic Scotland, who work with children with communication impairments and their families. You can find more about their work on their website: Afasic Scotland

  • Sat
    15
    Aug
    2015

    Not so native now

    15:00 - 16:00Stand in the square, St Andrew's Square (fringe venue 372)

    Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas logo

    This event is part of the cabaret of Dangerous Ideas at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

    Learning a language? Sounding like a native speaker is good, right? What if we said that maintaining native-level perfection in your own language might stall your second-language learning? People living abroad often make mistakes in their mother tongue; the same mistakes as second-language learners. Why? The more your brain adapts to accommodate another language, the better you’ll speak the second language, but the less native-like you’ll seem in your own. Join Professor Antonella Sorace to explore how languages affect each other in the brain, and why the key to multilingualism might lie in making more mistakes.

    Cost: £8/£7

    Booking: via the Edinburgh Fringe Festival website

  • Thu
    20
    Aug
    2015

    The Gift of Bilingualism

    19:00 - 20:00Baillie Gifford Corner Theatre

    Edinburgh International Book Festival 2015 brochure cover

    This event is part of the Talking Translation series at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

    It is thought that around 143 different languages are spoken in homes across Scotland and evidence suggests that bilingualism offers many benefits. How can bilingual families be supported and each mother tongue acknowledged and respected? Join Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics and founder of Bilingualism Matters, and Michelle Jones from Craigmillar Books for Babies, an early literacy charity. Together they discuss the benefits and challenges of early bilingualism.

    Cost: £8/£6

    Booking: via the Edinburgh International Book Festival website

  • Wed
    30
    Sep
    2015

    Early years information series: Stanwell nursery

    10:00 - 10:30Stanwell nursery

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Stanwell nursery, Edinburgh.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your child's nursery to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session.

  • Wed
    04
    Nov
    2015

    Mother tongue at home and at school

    10:30 - 12:30Adelphi Centre, Glasgow

    Two hour workshop for parents and carers exploring opportunities, strategies and challenges for maintaining your child's home language at home and at school.

    This event is part of the "Scottish Education System and Beyond" series, organised by Gathered Together.

    This is a free event, but booking is essential.

    For more information, including how to book, visit the Gathered Together website.

  • Thu
    05
    Nov
    2015

    Mother tongue at home and at school

    10:30 - 12:30Quaker Meeting House, Edinburgh

    Two hour workshop for parents and carers exploring opportunities, strategies and challenges for maintaining your child's home language at home and at school.

    This event is part of the "Scottish Education System and Beyond" series, organised by Gathered Together.

    This is a free event, but booking is essential.

    For more information, including how to book, visit the Gathered Together website.

  • Tue
    10
    Nov
    2015

    School and Family Together: collaborative language learning

    18:30 - 20:30Scottish story-telling centre

    SOFT_logo

    Join Dr. Martha Robinson and Prof. Antonella Sorace as they present the Scottish results of the School and Family Together (SOFT) project on early language learning in the community.

    This is a free event, but booking is essential.
    Registration link

  • Mon
    16
    Nov
    2015

    Language fun with Hocus and Lotus

    10:00 - 12:00University of Edinburgh

    *This event is open to students at the University of Edinburgh*

    Two hour session for children and their parents to explore language learning together in a fun environment.

    The session is aimed at children aged 3 - 7 years old. The children (and parents!) will take part in collaborative language learning activities as part of the EU-funded SOFT (school and family together) project.

    This event is part of the "Give it a go" programme run by the University of Edinburgh's Student Association.

    This is a free event, but booking is essential.

    For more information, including how to book, visit the Edinburgh University Students Association website.

  • Mon
    18
    Jan
    2016

    Edinburgh Exchange: multilingualism in business

    16:00 - 18:30University of Edinburgh

    The Edinburgh Exchange will bring together businesses and other interested organisations with the University to stimulate dialogue and exchange ideas around the theme of multilingualism. We will explore the skills and attributes developed by people with more than one language, identifying some of the hidden benefits they can bring to your business and how businesses and the University can learn from each other about the practical opportunities and challenges of working with a multilingual workforce.

    Outcomes of these discussions will inform University and industry strategies on supporting multilingualism.

    Event programme

    This event is organised in partnership with the University of Edinburgh Careers Service as part of a series of events promoting dialogue between University and industry.

  • Wed
    03
    Feb
    2016

    Early years information series: Dalry primary school nursery

    09:00 - 10:00Leith Walk Primary

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Dalry primary school nursery.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Wed
    17
    Feb
    2016

    Improving Linguistic Skills through Theatre

    various timesPsychology Building, University of Edinburgh

    theatre sans accents

    As part of Innovative Learning week at the University of Edinburgh, Marion Geoffray from Theatre Sans Accents will deliver three bilingual theatre workshops. The sessions will focus on improving spoken skills in English and French through improvisation and games. No amateur dramatic experience required!

    10:00 - 11:00 Improving your French skills - for beginners to advanced speakers, all levels welcome.
    12:00 - 13:00 Improving your English skills - for speakers of English as a second language, all levels welcome.
    14:00 -15:00 Improving your French skills - for beginners to advanced speakers, all levels welcome.

    Cost and eligibility:The sessions are free and open to anyone who is over 18 OR a student at the University of Edinburgh.

    Where: All sessions will take place in room G32, Psychology Building, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh EH8 9JZ.

    Registration: There is no need to book and places will be given on a first-come-first-served basis.

    Find out more:
    Visit Theatre Sans Accents Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

    See what else is on during Innovative learning week

  • Wed
    09
    Mar
    2016

    Primary school information series: Craigmount cluster

    18:30 - 19:30Craigmount High School

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at the following primary schools in Edinburgh: Costorphine, Fox Covert, Hillwood, East Craigs, and Roseburn.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Fri
    11
    Mar
    2016
    Sat
    12
    Mar
    2016

    Language Show Live

    all dayScottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow

    AThEME project logo

    Bilingualism Matters is delighted to be attending the first Language Show Live event in Scotland, on behalf of the Advancing the European Multilingual Experience (AThEME) project. Come and meet our researchers and find out more about multilingualism in Europe - from minority languages like Gaelic, to the languages of refugees, and what happens to bilingual people's brains as they get older.

    Stand - Friday 11, Saturday 12 March

    Stop by to find out more about the project and chat with researchers about their latest research results.

    Seminar - 13:00 - 13:45, Friday 11 March, TEFL forum.

    Growing up with Two Languages: Myths, Science, and Realistic Expectations (Professor Antonella Sorace, University of Edinburgh).

    There are still widespread misconceptions about what it means to learn more than one language in childhood: for example, too many people still think that early bilingualism makes children confused or puts them at a disadvantage at school. But research shows that in many cases there are no differences between bilingual and monolinguals; and that where there are differences, these are almost invariably in favour of bilinguals. In this seminar, we will discuss the main facts and benefits of growing up with two languages - and of course, the challenges that parents can encounter!

    Research Presentation - 15:00 - 15:30, Friday 11 March, Piazza.

    Advancing the European Multilingual Experience: Dyslexia, Specific Language Impairment and language learning in the classroom. (Professor Theo Marinis, University of Reading).

    Explore some of the issues around multilingualism and language difficulties such as dyslexia and SLI.
    Should children with dyslexia or Specific Language Impairment (SLI) be discouraged from using their home language in order to concentrate on English? Should they be discouraged to learn a foreign language in school? Find out the latest research findings and how to approach language teaching in these specific circumstances.

    EU flagFindings from the Advancing the European Multilingual Experience (AThEME project). Funded from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 613465.

    For more information about the Language Show Live in Scotland, visit their website

  • Mon
    14
    Mar
    2016

    Early years information series: Cowgate nursery

    18:30 - 19:30Cowgate nursery

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Cowgate nursery.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Tue
    29
    Mar
    2016

    Who wants to be a multilingual?

    20:00 - 21:30Summerhall, Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh International Science Festival logo

    This event is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival

    Fingers on buzzers! This pub quiz with a difference will take you on a tour inside a language learner's brain with fun trivia and mind-boggling teasers, curated and delivered by stand-up comic Susan Morrison aided by our resident experts Prof Antonella Sorace and Dr Thomas Bak. Whether you're a lifelong bilingual, or struggling to remember your high school French: come and join us to learn something new about languages, and how we learn them.

    Cost: £8.50/£6.50

    Booking: via the Edinburgh International Science festival website

  • Thu
    14
    Apr
    2016

    Language learning across the lifespan

    15:00 - 17:00University of Edinburgh

    **Please note this event is now fully booked**

    Workshop and information session with adult second language learners.

    This is a joint event organised with YaketyYak Language cafe, and the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
    Yaketyyak language cafe
    Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology

  • Wed
    27
    Apr
    2016

    Language learning across the lifespan

    15:00 - 17:00University of Edinburgh

    **Please note this event is now fully booked**

    Workshop and information session with adult second language learners.

    This is a joint event organised with YaketyYak Language cafe, and the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
    Yaketyyak language cafe
    Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology

  • Fri
    29
    Apr
    2016

    Early years information series: Les Petiots D'Edimbourg

    20:00 - 21:30Edinburgh

    Les Petiots d'Edimbourg is a group for young families bringing up their children in French and English in Edinburgh and its surroundings.

    Find out more about Les Petiots D'Edimbourg on their Facebook Page

  • Thu
    26
    May
    2016

    Teaching BSL in schools

    All dayEdinburgh

    For information in BSL, watch this link

    This will be the last of three events at which key organisations and stakeholders meet to discuss the addition of British Sign Language as a modern languages option in Scottish schools under the current "1+2 Languages" policy initiative.

    Register via eventbrite by SUNDAY 22 MAY.

    The event is hosted by Scottish Government so registration is essential. If you are not registered, you will not be allowed to enter the building

    For more information, see the project website.

    This project is funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute.

  • Tue
    31
    May
    2016

    Bilingualism Matters summer event

    18:00 - 20:00Scottish Story Telling Centre

    Join the Bilingualism Matters team to celebrate language learning and hear about their research and outreach projects

    Registration essential, via eventbrite.

  • Sat
    04
    Jun
    2016

    International Day at Sciennes Primary school

    12:00 - 15:00Sciennes Primary school

    Professor Antonella Sorace will be talking about bilingualism at part of the International Day at Sciennes primary school.

    The event, organised by the school's Parent Council is planning the event to celebrate cultural diversity and promote language learning in the school and local community.

  • Thu
    16
    Jun
    2016

    Additional language, additional support

    All dayEdinburgh

    Join researchers from Bilingualism Matters and the University of Edinburgh at this CPD -certified training event exploring language development in children.

    More information and registration via Children in Scotland

  • Fri
    24
    Jun
    2016

    Chinese Language Teaching in Scotland

    8.30-17.0050 George Square,EH8 9LH, Ground Floor G.03

    The Second Annual Conference on Chinese Language Teaching in Scotland

    To register, please visit: http://www.confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/

  • Thu
    11
    Aug
    2016

    language lessons on the NHS?

    15:00St Andrew Square, Edinburgh


    Research shows that learning languages helps us age healthily, even if we start learning them in later life. Being able to speak two languages can delay the onset of dementia symptoms by 4-5 years (more than any available drug!) and improve how well a patient recovers their mental abilities after a stroke. So is language learning a safer, cheaper and healthier alternative to the drugs routinely prescribed on the NHS? And, if so, shouldn’t we prescribe language lessons instead? Join Thomas Bak, who has spent decades researching dementia, stroke and ageing, to debate.

    £8 (£6 concession)

    Buy tickets 

    This event is part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas  

  • Thu
    11
    Aug
    2016

    language lessons on the NHS?

    3pm-4pmSt Andrew Square,Edinburgh

  • Tue
    04
    Oct
    2016

    ¡Bilingualism Does Matter!

    10:00University of Strathclyde

    The first in a series of national workshops for teachers offered by SCILT (Scotland's National Centre for Languages) in collaboration with Bilingualism Matters and Glasgow City Council’s EAL Service. These workshops aim to help teachers engage bilingual learners more and support literacy skills across both languages.

  • Fri
    07
    Oct
    2016

    ¡Bilingualism Does Matter!

    05:00University of Edinburgh

    The second in a series of national workshops for teachers offered by SCILT (Scotland's National Centre for Languages) in collaboration with Bilingualism Matters and Glasgow City Council’s EAL Service. These workshops aim to help teachers engage bilingual learners more and support literacy skills across both languages.

  • Tue
    01
    Nov
    2016

    ¡Bilingualism Does Matter!

    10:0028 Longman Road, Inverness, IV1 1SF

    The third national workshop for teachers offered by SCILT (Scotland's National Centre for Languages) in collaboration with Bilingualism Matters and Glasgow City Council’s EAL Service, supporting teachers to engage bilingual learners more and support literacy skills across languages.

    Booking available on Eventbrite.

  • Wed
    02
    Nov
    2016

    ¡Bilingualism Does Matter!

    10:00University of Aberdeen

    The fourth national workshop for teachers offered by SCILT (Scotland's National Centre for Languages) in collaboration with Bilingualism Matters and Glasgow City Council’s EAL Service, supporting teachers to engage bilingual learners more and support literacy skills across languages.

    Booking available on Eventbrite.

  • Tue
    22
    Nov
    2016

    Primary school information series: St David's primary

    18:00 - 19:00St David's Primary School

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at st David's primary and Pirniehall primary school, Edinburgh.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Wed
    23
    Nov
    2016

    Speak Turkish event

    17:30 – 20:00 Central Library, Edinburgh

    Two Languages Are Better Than One. Raising Bilingual Children.

    Informal evening event for parents of children of Turkish origin, organised by Speak Turkish.  Prof Antonella Sorace from Bilingualism Matters will talk about her work and answer questions or concerns  about bilingualism. There will also be a representative from the cultural affairs section of the Turkish (TC) Consulate who will talk about provision for Turkish-speaking children in the UK. Teachers from Speak Turkish will also be on hand to talk their activities. Following the speakers there will be a Q& A session. Please note: this event is intended primarily for parents of children of Turkish origin. Priority will be give to children currently attending classes with Speak Turkish, but the event will be of interest to all parents with a Turkish background.

  • Mon
    28
    Nov
    2016

    Bilingualism Matters Trondheim Branch Launch

    Trondheim, Norway

    Prof Antonella Sorace will attend the launch of a new branch of Bilingualism Matters in Trondheim, Norway.

  • Wed
    07
    Dec
    2016

    Bilingualism: An Investment for Life

    17:00Goethe University Frankfurt, Westend Campus, Frankfurt

  • Tue
    31
    Jan
    2017

    Early years information series: Dalry primary school nursery

    09:00Dalry Primary School Nursery, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children at Dalry primary school nursery.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools. If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Wed
    22
    Feb
    2017

    Multilingualism: an investment for life

    16:00Brown University, Rhode Island, USA

    Prof Antonella Sorace is delivering a special public lecture at the Brown Institute for Brain Science.

  • Wed
    22
    Feb
    2017

    Learning Language Through Theatre

    Various Lower Concourse, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh

    This workshop, led by Theatre Sans Accents, uses fun drama games and exercises to enable participants to improve their linguistic skills and gain confidence using French or English beyond the classroom.

    This event is part of the University of Edinburgh Festival of Creative Learning and is open to the public. Join us for an experience outside your comfort zone and beyond language boundaries!

    There are three sessions: 11:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 14:00 & 14:00 to 15:00.

    BOOKING NOW OPEN via Eventbrite.

     

  • Thu
    09
    Mar
    2017

    The role of input in early multilingualism

    16:00University of Edinburgh

    Tanja Rinker, Director of the Bilingualism Matters Konstanz branch, is giving a talk entitled "The role of input in early multilingualism" to the Linguistic Circle at the University of Edinburgh.

    Abstract
    Many studies have observed a relationship between the lexicon and input in early multilingualism (De Houwer, 2014; Hoff et al., 2012), but the relationship between input and morpho-syntax or phonology is less clear (Carroll, 2017; Paradis & Grüter, 2014; Unsworth, 2013). In this talk, I will present evidence from the phonological, lexical and morpho-syntactic domain using event-related potentials (ERPs), grammaticality judgments, as well as lexical assessments (such as the Cross-Linguistic Lexical Task (CLT, Rinker & Gagarina, 2014)) in different multilingual groups of different ages. In all these studies, detailed input information was collected via parental questionnaires, thus providing insight into intra- and extrafamilial input variables. Statistical analyses in fact suggest a differential role of input across linguistic domains. Further implications will be discussed.

  • Fri
    10
    Mar
    2017
    Sat
    11
    Mar
    2017

    Language Show Live Scotland

    SECC, Glasgow

    Join us at Scotland's largest language celebration event. It's free to attend and is aimed at anyone with an interest in languages.

    Bilingualism Matters will have a stand and be involved in the programme of seminars and talks, with our partners from the European AThEME (Advancing the European Multilingual Experience) project.

    More details coming soon! Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates.

  • Thu
    04
    May
    2017

    Universal Health Visiting pathway: promoting knowledge of bilingual development

    2pm to 5pmRoom G32 Psychology Building, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh

    The University of Edinburgh & Bilingualism Matters in collaboration with Children in Scotland are organising a round table with the theme "Universal Health Visiting pathway: promoting knowledge of bilingual development”. The purpose of this meeting is to bring together stakeholders from the academic, health and government sectors to discuss and identify the current needs, practices and training offered to health visitors in Scotland regarding bilingual children and their families, that is children and families who grow up with and use languages other than English in the home or the immediate community. Outcomes of this meeting will feed into a larger survey targeting health visitors and allied health professionals (AHP) about these issues, with the view to later develop more specialised training and information materials for AHP to more effectively engage with bilingual families and children.

    Register now on Eventbrite

  • Fri
    12
    May
    2017

    Bilingualism Matters Annual Event

    15:30 - 18:30Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh

    Join us in celebrating our 8th year at Bilingualism Matters working WITH & FOR families, professionals, and businesses in Edinburgh, Scotland, Europe and beyond.

    Meet our team and other professionals from education, policy, health, research and local communities who share our passion for languages across the lifespan.

    The event is an opportunity to learn about what Bilingualism Matters Centre does in the areas of research, knowledge exchange and public engagement. It is also an invitation for you to share your views with us on what we and our wider network should focus on in the future.

    Wine reception with music & theatre will follow a series of short, interactive presentations from Bilingualism Matters experts and collaborators.

    Register your place now on Eventbrite.

  • Wed
    17
    May
    2017

    Raising Bilingual Children

    18:30Kensington Wade School, 205 Warwick Road, London, W14 8PU

    Prof Antonella Sorace is giving a presentation to parents and supporters of Kensington Wade School in London, which is the first Prep School in the United Kingdom to offer a dual-language English-Chinese education from ages 3–11.

  • Fri
    02
    Jun
    2017

    Primary School Information Series: Queensferry & Ratho area

    09:30St Margaret's Primary School, South Queensferry

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from six primary schools in Queensferry and Ratho area .

    Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools. Please contact your headteacher to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session with us at your child's school.

  • Sat
    03
    Jun
    2017

    CANCELLED: Bilingualism Matters Family Day

    Edinburgh

    Due to clashing commitments and difficulty securing a venue we've had to postpone our planned Bilingualism Matters Family Day, which we'd hoped to hold on 3rd June. We will announce the rescheduled date shortly.

    It will be day of language exploration and fun for bilingual families in the Edinburgh area - more details coming soon!

  • Mon
    12
    Jun
    2017

    Bilingualism Matters: bridging the gap between research and public health

    University of Limerick, Ireland

    As part of the 2017 International Symposium on Bilingualism, Antonella Sorace and Vicky Chondrogianni will deliver a talk and workshop on the work of Bilingualism Matters.

    Full programme available here.

  • Fri
    30
    Jun
    2017

    Bilingualism Matters: Keeping Families Connected with the Home Language in a New Homeland

    15:30 - 17:00Rooms 3.10-3.11 Dugald Stewart Building, University of Edinburgh

    As part of the Refugee Festival Scotland 2017, Bilingualism Matters at the University of Edinburgh presents talks by our Deputy Directors, Dr Vicky Chondrogianni and Dr Thomas Bak, on the latest findings on bilingualism and how it relates to the resettlement of refugees. Talks will be followed by a question and answer session, plus activities for members of the community and other organisations to bring ideas together.

    Register now on Eventbrite.

  • Thu
    06
    Jul
    2017

    Bilingualism in minority languages: a resource and an opportunity

    14:00 to 14:30Auditorium, The University of Edinburgh Business School

    Prof Antonella Sorace is giving a keynote presentation as part of The Celtic Knot Conference 2017, which is the first Wikipedia Language conference organised in collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Wikimedia UK focusing on supporting Celtic & Indigenous Languages.

    Full details on her talk can be found here.

  • Mon
    14
    Aug
    2017

    In Praise of Useless Languages

    13:50New Town Theatre, Edinburgh

    We often hear people classify languages as useful or useless depending on how many people currently use them. However, is the value of a language determined solely by the political or economic power associated with it? Research on bilingualism over the lifespan shows that knowing more than one language – any language – can benefit the mind. From this point of view, our Director Prof Antonella Sorace presents the idea that all languages are worth learning and minority languages, such as Gaelic and Sardinian, are a particularly precious resource.

    Part of the 2017 Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas at the Edinburgh Fringe - tickets at Edfringe

     

  • Wed
    23
    Aug
    2017

    Is Monolingualism Making Us Ill?

    20:20New Town Theatre, Edinburgh

    Originally, our brains were designed to be multilingual, managing two or more languages easily. Our Deputy Director, neuroscientist Thomas Bak reckons that, like sedentary lifestyles and an unhealthy diet, the monolingualism that’s come with modern society has its consequences. Research has shown that speaking only one language makes our thinking skills decline faster as we age and can actually make us more vulnerable to dementia in later life. So why aren’t public health campaigns addressing this? Should Fitbits be monitoring our speech as well as our steps?

    Part of the 2017 Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas at the Edinburgh Fringe - tickets at Edfringe

     

  • Fri
    25
    Aug
    2017

    Twitter Q&A

    16:00 - 17:00#askbiling

    If you think monolingualism might be making you ill or you need to know about the hidden talents of minority languages, but can’t make along to our fantastic Edinburgh Fringe Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas shows this year, you can join our live Twitter Q&A on Friday 25th August 2017 from 4pm to 5pm (BST).

    Professor Antonella Sorace and Dr Thomas Bak will be on hand to answer your questions. Use the hashtag #askbiling to leave your questions.

    Follow Bilingualism Matters on Twitter: @bilingmatters
    Follow Thomas Bak on Twitter: @thbaketal

  • Sun
    03
    Sep
    2017

    Enhancing the Public Understanding of Bilingualism through Social Media: The Bilingualism Matters Experience

    Prof Antonella Sorace is giving a talk at the workshop 'Using Social Media to Promote Professional Development, Networking, Scientific Dissemination, and Public Awareness' at Potsdam Universität (Germany) by Skype.
    http://memory.ugr.es/wics/WICS-social-media.html

  • Fri
    08
    Sep
    2017
    Sat
    09
    Sep
    2017

    Language revitalization and the transformation of family life

    Edinburgh

    Workshop is part of series organised by Revitalise research network. More details here:

    http://revitalise.aber.ac.uk/en/events/workshop-2/

  • Tue
    26
    Sep
    2017

    Languages Day Assembly

    George Watson's College, Edinburgh

    This is an event for parents, carers and teachers at George Watson's College. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and carers of pupils at other schools.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher and ask them to contact us to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session at your child's school.

  • Fri
    29
    Sep
    2017

    Explorathon - EU Researcher's Night

    12 noon - 6pmLeith Labs at Ocean Terminal

    We'll be celebrating Explorathon, European Researchers’ Night, with Leith Labs at Ocean Terminal. Expect lots of fun activities and interesting information for bilingual families and all families with an interest in language learning!

  • Fri
    29
    Sep
    2017

    Bilingualism: cross-disciplinary research and implications for society

    15:30University of Verona

    Antonella Sorace guest speaker at graduation ceremony.

  • Tue
    03
    Oct
    2017

    School Information Session

    Stanwell Nursery Edinburgh

    Dr Thomas Bak giving talk and answering questions from parents and teachers. This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above nursery. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Tue
    03
    Oct
    2017

    Practical Strategies how to use public engagement techniques to improve teaching

    2pm to 4pmUniversity of Edinburgh, Institute of Academic Development, 1 Morgan Lane

    Thomas H Bak, Co-director of Bilingualism Matters

    Public engagement (PE) and knowledge exchange (KE) are increasingly seen as an integral part of academic work. They disseminate research findings, produce impact, strengthen universities’ reputation and attract future students. And they can undoubtedly be a lot of fun. But I will argue that they can also improve our teaching.

    In this seminar I will discuss, in a series of practical tips and recommendations, how PE/KE experience can change the way in which we interact with students, making our lectures more engaging, our assessments more relevant and, last but not least, increasing our own satisfaction with our role as teachers.

     

  • Thu
    05
    Oct
    2017

    Launch of new Bilingualism Matters branch - UCR, USA

    Center for Ideas & Society, University of California, Riverside

    Prof Antonella Sorace launches 17th international branch of Bilingualism Matters at University of California, Riverside, which will be co-directed by Judith Kroll and Cova Lamar Prieto.

    UCR Multilingualism Research Conference

    Multilingualism Conference Program

  • Fri
    13
    Oct
    2017
    Sat
    14
    Oct
    2017

    The selectivity of native language attrition

    Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh

    We're pleased to host this two-day workshop “The selectivity of native language attrition” as part of the ESRC-funded First Language Attrition Seminar Series (ES/M001776/1) led by Monika Schmid (University of Essex).

    Full details can be found here.

  • Fri
    13
    Oct
    2017

    Symposium 2017: Speaking to a global future

    10.00 - 16.30Language Show London, Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street, Islington N1 0QH

    Our Co-director Dr Thomas Bak joins other national experts to discuss pressing language issues.

    Can Brexit work for Britain?  Will future success depend on stronger language skills?  How can languages and cultural understanding improve our health, wealth and happiness? Join award-winning journalist, Rosie Goldsmith, in conversation with government officials, national leaders and international experts to find out.

    Speak to the Future, the national campaign for languages invites you to its fifth annual symposium addressing key issues of language policy relating to education, employment and wider society.  As the country prepares for a global future, we are facing uncertainties affecting all areas of public life.  Can challenges become opportunities?  What should be our next steps?

    Speak to the Future welcomes the following influential and inspiring figures to share their insights and unique perspectives on the importance of languages and intercultural understanding to Britain’s progress. The symposium will include major talks, panel discussion and live question and answer sessions where delegates can share their views and put their questions to  the panel.

    Speakers include -

    • Caroline Wilson, Director Europe, Europe Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
    • Dr Adam Marshall, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce
    • Charles Clark, Partner Consultant Linklaters LLP
    • Richard Hardie, Senior Adviser, UBS Ltd
    • Ann Carlisle, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Linguists
    • Panos Kraniotis, Regional Director Europe, Rosetta Stone
    • Dr. Thomas Bak, University of Edinburgh
    • Dr. Dina Mehmedbegovic, University College London
    • Dr. James Anderson, Goldsmiths University
    • Dr. Vicky Macleroy, Goldsmiths University
    • Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett, University of Cambridge
    • Professor Katrin Kohl, University of Oxford
    • Pascale Vassie, Executive  Director, National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education
    • Teresa Tinsley, Director Alcantara Communications
    • Vicky Gough, Languages Adviser, British Council
    • Bernardette Holmes MBE, Campaign Director, Speak to the Future
    • British Council Language Ambassadors

     

  • Mon
    16
    Oct
    2017
    Tue
    17
    Oct
    2017

    Jumping languages and other bilingual stories

    16:00 - 17:00Summerhall Upper Church Gallery, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL

    Prof. Antonella Sorace and Katarzyna Przybycien present this workshop as part of the Kite and Trumpet Festival of Polish Art for Children. The workshop will engage both children (pre-school and primary ages) and their parents on the topic of bilingualism and code mixing. Through creative collective writing, illustrations and physical theatre will explore myths, facts and creative potential of growing up with two or more languages. Both bilingual and English-only children will learn new words in Polish and English while celebrating the linguistic diversity of Scotland.

    Tickets available on Eventbrite

     

     

  • Wed
    25
    Oct
    2017

    Schools Information Series: South Ayrshire EAL Parent Forum

    09:30Ayr

    This is an event for EAL Parent Forum in South Ayrshire.

    If this topic interests you, please contact your headteacher or parent forum and ask them get in touch with us to discuss the possibility of organising a similar session at your child's school.

  • Thu
    26
    Oct
    2017

    Multilingualism: An Investment For A Better Society

    18:30Cabaret Voltaire, 36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR

    Talk by Antonella Sorace at event organised by Ragged University.  Full details here.

  • Fri
    27
    Oct
    2017

    Bilingualism with minority languages: myths, science and realistic implications

    Cookstown, N. Ireland

    Antonella Sorace at the ALTRAM Conference on Irish medium education.

  • Mon
    06
    Nov
    2017
    Tue
    07
    Nov
    2017

    Talk to Polish community

    Rome

    Conference organised by the Polish Embassy in Rome

  • Thu
    09
    Nov
    2017

    Supporting Children with Language Disorders in Primary Gaelic-Medium Schools

    11:00G.32, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ

    Talk by our Co-director Dr Vicky Chondrogianni as part of the Edinburgh Gaelic Festival.

    Although there is no scientific evidence that bilingualism makes language disorders worse, parents, teachers and clinicians are still concerned whether children with language problems can or should become bilingual. In the present talk, we will discuss how these challenges and potential opportunities will be addressed in a new project aiming to support children with developmental language disorders in Gaelic-medium education in Scotland.

    A’ toirt taic ri clann la mì-rianan cànain ann am bun-sgoiltean Gàidhlig: Duilgheadasan agus cothroman

    Ged nach eil fianais ann gu bheil dà-chànanachas a’ dèanamh crìonadh air mì-rianan cànain, tha dragh air pàrantan, tidsearan is dotairean fhathast nach eil e math airson clann le duilgheadasan cànan ma dh’ionnsaicheas iad dà chànan. San òraid seo, bruidhnidh sinn mu phròiseact ùr a choimheadas air taic a thoirt gu clann le mì-rianan cànain ann am foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Alba, agus mar a dhèilgeas sinn ris na duilgheadasan is cothroman seo sa phròiseact.

    leis an Dr Vicky Chondrogianni, Bilingualism Matters

  • Fri
    10
    Nov
    2017

    The Importance of the Native Language – Practitioner Day

    Birkbeck, University of London, November 10th 2017

    This event is part of the 2017 ESRC Festival of Social Science and will be hosted by Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research and organised in collaboration between the Centre for Research in Language Development throughout the Lifespan at the University of Essex (LaDeLi), the Department of Applied Linguistics and Communication at Birkbeck College, Mothertongue and Bilingualism Matters. The event is part of an ESRC-funded seminar series on language attrition, awarded to Prof. Monika Schmid (University of Essex, grant ES/M001776/1)

    Participation is free, but for catering and planning purposes, please register here.

    More details here.

  • Wed
    15
    Nov
    2017
    Fri
    17
    Nov
    2017

    AThEME project - Consortium and Dissemination Meetings

    Barcelona

    Meeting of EU-funded AThEME project partners, which is studying multilingualism in Europe and for which Bilingualism Matters is key dissemination partner.

  • Sat
    02
    Dec
    2017

    Developing pathways to impact for early career researchers (ECRs) in bi-/multilingualism and education

    University of Westminster, London

    Antonella Sorace joins this workshop, which aims to illustrate how research into bi-/ multilingualism can generate positive change in policy and practice with an emphasis on education, and to invite ECRs to develop ideas on how their work can generate pathways to such types of impact.

    Full details here.

  • Tue
    16
    Jan
    2018

    Talk for NHS Lothian

    Information for speech and language therapists in NHS Lothian, delivered by Dr Vicky Chondrogianni.

  • Fri
    02
    Feb
    2018

    School information session - Fox Covert

    Fox Covert School, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Thu
    08
    Feb
    2018

    Indigo Childcare Talk

    Indigo Childcare, Glasgow

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from Indigo Childcare. If you are interested in a similar session at your own nursery or school please contact the manager or headteacher and ask them to get in touch with us.

  • Tue
    20
    Feb
    2018
    Fri
    23
    Feb
    2018

    Keep your brain and body active: bilingual training!

    Various (see below)The Salle, Pleasance Sport Complex & Gym, 46 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

    Enjoy and discover the benefits of bilingualism for your brain, alongside your physical health!

    Join us for three special one-hour active workshops, mixing language learning, drama games and yoga to perfect your accent and your moves in a foreign tongue! This is a unique opportunity to test how exercise can affect your language learning in a fun and innovative multi-sensory experience.

    No previous language skills are required, but remember to wear comfortable, loose clothing and be ready to move your body and your tongue!

    Choose from three workshops:
    Tuesday 20th February 2018,12:00-13:00 (for anyone)
    Friday 23rd February 2018,14:00-15:00 (for anyone)
    Friday 23rd February 2018, 15:30-16:30 (aimed at language teachers of any language)

    Registration is open on Eventbrite.

    These workshops are presented by Theatre Sans Accents, University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise and Bilingualism Matters, as part of the University of Edinburgh Festival of Creative Learning.

  • Wed
    21
    Feb
    2018

    International Mother Language Day Celebration

    11:00City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh

     

     

     

     

  • Fri
    23
    Feb
    2018

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters Granada, Spain

    University of Granada, Spain
  • Mon
    26
    Feb
    2018

    School information session - James Gillespie's Primary School

    James Gillespies High School

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Sat
    10
    Mar
    2018

    Più di una lingua: perché il bilinguismo modifica il cervello e apre la mente a tutte le età

    Festival Delle Lingue, Rovereto

    Antonella Sorace gives a talk at this large Italian language festival.

    http://festivaldellelingue.iprase.tn.it/web/festival-delle-lingue

     

  • Fri
    16
    Mar
    2018

    Jak dwujęzyczność zmienia nasz umysł?

    19:00Polish- Scottish Cultural Centre, Gracemount Youth & Community Centre, 47 Gracemount House Drive, Edinburgh EH16 6FD

    Join Zofia Wodniecka from Jagiellonian University for a free talk in Polish on how bilingualism changes the brain. Rescheduled from 2nd March, which was cancelled due to the severe weather.

  • Sat
    17
    Mar
    2018

    Multilingual Parents Club Kircaldy

    Fife Migrants, Hunter Street Kirkcaldy

    Members of the Bilingualism Matters team will be joining this event for multilingual parents in Fife.

    More details on Facebook.

  • Sat
    17
    Mar
    2018

    Polish Saturday NO BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

    12:00Livingstone

    Talk for parents of bilingual children at the Polish Saturday school in Livingstone.

  • Sat
    17
    Mar
    2018

    Building with Lingo - SCILT event

    12:15 - 16:00Stenhouse Building, University of Strathclyde, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0QU

    We're delighted to be joining this event for children, young people and their families organised by SCILT. Come and discover the benefits of language learning for yourself through fun activities such as dance, singing, painting and many more! Antonella Sorace will be delivering a session, and we will be in the market place with fun language activities.

    Register on Eventbrite!

  • Tue
    20
    Mar
    2018

    School information series: St Augustine's Edinburgh

    St Augustine's High School, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Thu
    22
    Mar
    2018

    Launch of East of England Bilingualism Matters Branch

    University of Essex
  • Thu
    05
    Apr
    2018

    Bilingualism Matters @ Science Festival

    19:00Edinburgh Zoo

    Tickets are £5 and can be booked on the Edinburgh International Science Festival website.

  • Mon
    09
    Apr
    2018

    ULAB 2018 (Undergraduate Linguistics Association of Britain)

    University of Edinburgh

    The Undergraduate Linguistics Association of Britain hosts an annual conference for linguistics students to present their undergraduate research. Over three days, undergraduate students studying at a wide range of higher education institutions are invited to present their research and meet students with similar interests.

    Antonella Sorace is one of the plenary speakers at this year's conference. http://lingstudents.co.uk/ulab2018/

     

  • Wed
    25
    Apr
    2018

    Bridging the divide: science and public understanding of bilingualism

    17:00Lutherse Kerk, Hamburgerstraat 9, Utrecht, the Netherlands

    Public lecture in the Netherlands. More details here (site in Dutch): https://www.uu.nl/agenda/publiekslezing-antonella-sorace-over-tweetaligheid

  • Fri
    15
    Jun
    2018

    Are Refugee Languages Welcome? The Critical Role of Refugee Languages in Integration

    13:00 - 15:00Room G32, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ

    Refugee languages are often viewed as an obstacle to integration. For refugees, however, they provide a source of continuity at a time of great upheaval and disruption, and can play a key supporting role in learning the new country's language. For the host country, the languages that refugees bring with them are a rich and untapped resource.

    As part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2018, Bilingualism Matters is delighted to present testimonials from young refugee learners alongside expert talks by Professor Antonella Sorace and other high-profile language researchers, followed by a round-table discussion with local community organisers and ESOL providers.

    Register for this free event on Eventbrite.

  • Fri
    27
    Jul
    2018

    New branch launch - Tübingen, Germany

    17:00Old Auditorium, Münzgasse 30, 72070 Tübingen, GERMANY

    The 21st branch of Bilingualism Matters, second in Germany, launched by Antonella Sorace. More details: http://www.leadsummerschool.de/2018/07/10/bilingualism-matters-tuebingen/

  • Wed
    08
    Aug
    2018

    Monolinguals, Where Are You?

    20:10The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, EH2 3DH

    Is anyone truly monolingual anymore? Knowing dialects, learning languages at school, and hearing migrant speakers make everybody ‘bilingual' to some extent. This means that the mother tongue changes, in completely natural and predictable ways. It also means that people may not be as bad at learning languages as they often think they are. Join Professor Antonella Sorace of Bilingualism Matters (The University of Edinburgh) to discover what the extinction of monolingualism could be doing to your brain – and why it matters.

    Book tickets here

    Presented by Bilingualism Matters at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.

  • Mon
    13
    Aug
    2018

    Ditch the Classroom; Speak in Tongues!

    13:30The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, EH2 3DH

    Everybody believes that education is good: the more, the better. But what if the benefits of education are mainly due to having learned different languages? Shouldn’t we just concentrate on learning them? In a rapidly changing world in which factual knowledge becomes quickly out-of-date, aren’t languages the ultimate transferable skill, improving the way in which we can learn and understand new things? Whether you learn one of the big languages of culture, politics and business or one of the little known minority ones, it will not only open a new world for you but also train your brain.

    Book tickets here

    Presented by Bilingualism Matters at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.

  • Wed
    15
    Aug
    2018

    Twitter Q&A

    12:30 to 13:30#askbiling

    Have all your questions about bilingualism answered by our experts Professor Antonella Sorace and Dr Thomas Bak at our live Twitter Q&A on Wednesday 15th August 2018 from 12:30 to 13:30 (BST).

    Use the hashtag #askbiling to leave your questions.

    Follow Bilingualism Matters on Twitter: @bilingmatters
    Follow Thomas Bak on Twitter: @thbaketal

  • Thu
    16
    Aug
    2018

    Ditch the Classroom; Speak in Tongues!

    18:10The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, EH2 3DH

    Everybody believes that education is good: the more, the better. But what if the benefits of education are mainly due to having learned different languages? Shouldn’t we just concentrate on learning them? In a rapidly changing world in which factual knowledge becomes quickly out-of-date, aren’t languages the ultimate transferable skill, improving the way in which we can learn and understand new things? Whether you learn one of the big languages of culture, politics and business or one of the little known minority ones, it will not only open a new world for you but also train your brain.

    Book tickets here

    Presented by Bilingualism Matters at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.

  • Sun
    19
    Aug
    2018

    Monolinguals, Where Are You?

    13:30The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, EH2 3DH

    Is anyone truly monolingual anymore? Knowing dialects, learning languages at school, and hearing migrant speakers make everybody ‘bilingual' to some extent. This means that the mother tongue changes, in completely natural and predictable ways. It also means that people may not be as bad at learning languages as they often think they are. Join Professor Antonella Sorace of Bilingualism Matters (The University of Edinburgh) to discover what the extinction of monolingualism could be doing to your brain – and why it matters.

    Book tickets here

    Presented by Bilingualism Matters at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.

  • Tue
    28
    Aug
    2018

    Supporting children with developmental language disorders in primary Gaelic - medium schools: challenges and opportunities

    Paper to be presented at Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig - a biennial academic conference series established in 2000 to promote research on any and all topics related to Gaelic as well as to promote research through the medium of Gaelic.

    Vicky Chondrogianni, Morna Butcher, Thomas Bak and Maria Garraffa

  • Wed
    29
    Aug
    2018

    MIME Conference Dinner Address

    19:30Berlin

    Dinner address by Antonella Sorace at the final scientific conference 'Interdisciplinarity and the future of multilingualism research' of the EU MIME Project. More details here: http://www.mime-project.org/berlin/

  • Fri
    31
    Aug
    2018

    Haddington Art & Science Festival

    Haddington Corn Exchange

    The Bilingualism Matters team bringing exciting activities to East Lothian school children!

    More details here: https://www.artpointscotland.org/create-the-future-festival/

     

  • Fri
    07
    Sep
    2018

    Bilingualism Matters 10th Anniversary Annual Event

    16:30 - 18:30Edinburgh

    Come and join us to celebrate 10 years of Bilingualism Matters - from one branch based at the University of Edinburgh to 20 branches around the world! Learn more about bilingualism and get updates on the latest research.

    Book in now open on Eventbrite - details on full programme coming in August.

    You can also read all about last year's event here.

  • Fri
    07
    Sep
    2018

    Bilingualism Matters Research Symposium 2018

    9am to 3.30pmEdinburgh

    Our 2018 inaugural research symposium aims to provide an opportunity for researchers in Edinburgh and from across our Bilingualism Matters international network to come together to share and exchange ideas on any aspect of bilingualism, with a focus on dissemination potential beyond the academic world.  

    Full details on the event page: https://www.bilingualism-matters.ppls.ed.ac.uk/bilingualism-matters-research-symposium-2018/

     

  • Sat
    29
    Sep
    2018

    Explorathon European Researchers Night

    Explorathon is Scotland’s event for EU Researchers’ Night with events around the country on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September. It is a public celebration of research that takes place in more than 300 cities across Europe, and Bilingualism Matters.

    We are joining Leith Labs in Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, on Saturday 29th September from 12 noon to 6pm. Come and see us for fun language activities and to chat about our EU project AThEME, language learning, bilingualism and language research in general!

  • Wed
    07
    Nov
    2018

    Why Gaelic Matters

    13:00 - 14:00University of Edinburgh

    Public talk by Antonella Sorace as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig/Edinburgh Gaelic Festival. Full details and tickets on Eventbrite

  • Thu
    08
    Nov
    2018

    Supporting children with developmental language disorders in primary Gaelic - medium schools: challenges and opportunities

    11:00University of Edinburgh

    Public talk by Vicky Chondrogianni as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig/Edinburgh Gaelic Festival. This is a free, ticketed event - full details and booking on Eventbrite.

  • Fri
    09
    Nov
    2018
    Sun
    11
    Nov
    2018

    The Language Show London

    Olympia, London

    Bilingualism Matters researchers from all our UK branches will be at The Language Show in London - a must for all language enthusiasts, this three day show is free to attend.
    - Find out about the major five-year EU project on multilingualism, AThEME (Advancing the European Multilingual Experience).
    - Don't miss Antonella Sorace's talk on Friday 9th Nov, 16.45-17.30 "Further evidence that minority languages in Europe are worth learning."
    - Stop by our stand for our fun language activities and challenges.
    - Chat to our researchers about bilingualism and language learning.

  • Fri
    30
    Nov
    2018
    Sun
    02
    Dec
    2018

    The Edinburgh Multilingual Stories Festival

    The Roxy Assembly

    The Edinburgh Multilingual Stories Festival - A celebration of Edinburgh’s diversity through the Arts! The Festival will offer a programme of workshops, talks, performances, concerts, mini food festival and other events to celebrate bilingualism and showcase Edinburgh's various vibrant artistic and cultural talents. More details on our dedicated page.

  • Fri
    25
    Jan
    2019

    RSA Rawthmells Friday Conversations

    14:00The Steps, Rawthmells (RSA House), London

    Antonella Sorace will host a conversation arguing that storytelling is good for bilingual brains, cultures and communities.

  • Thu
    31
    Jan
    2019

    AThEME Project Final Event

    Scotland House, Brussels, Belgium

    Multilingualism across the lifespan. Opportunities & Challenges for the European Citizen’ 

    The final event of the AThEME project is an opportunity to showcase the findings over the last five years to invited stakeholders from around Europe. More information on AThEME can be found here: http://www.atheme.eu/

    Programme of AThEME Final Conference

  • Sat
    09
    Feb
    2019

    BHASHA: the Glasgow Language Festival

    11:00 to 19:00Mitchell Library, Glasgow

    The Bangladesh Association Glasgow has organised this festival to recognise and celebrate the increasingly multilingual nature of the city of Glasgow. As part of the programme, Antonella Sorace will give a talk entitled "Why two languages are better than one".

  • Tue
    19
    Feb
    2019

    Bilingualism Through Festivals

    14:002.06 Appleton Tower, University of Edinburgh, 11 Crichton St, Edinburgh EH8 9LE

    Have you ever wondered what it is like to be multilingual? Have you ever wondered what happens in the bilingual brain? Join us for to get a glimpse of how these questions were explored by Edinburgh-based artists, schools and communities during the first Edinburgh Multilingual Stories Festival in December 2018. You will meet the festival organisers (Bilingualism Matters, Theatre Sans Accents, Polish Cultural Festival Association), engage in hands-on activities and experience a bilingual-inspired performance.

    This event is funded by the Festival of Creative Learning at the University of Edinburgh, and the event is now open for booking.

  • Fri
    01
    Mar
    2019
    Sun
    03
    Mar
    2019

    ECIS MLIE Conference 2019: Unity Through Multilingualism

    Hotel Novotel London West

    Antonella Sorace on behalf of Bilingualism Matters is involved in several sessions at the ECIS Multilingual Learning in International Education Conference: https://ecismlieconference2019.sched.com/speaker/antonellas.

     

  • Wed
    06
    Mar
    2019

    Primary school talk: St Mark's

    13:30St Mark's RC Primary School, Oxgangs, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Sat
    09
    Mar
    2019

    Saturday school talk: Lusofonias – Oficinas de Portugues

    11:30Leith Academy, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all members of the Lusofonias Portuguese Saturday school in Edinburgh. We are unable to accommodate non-members, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own Saturday school or community group please get in touch.

  • Mon
    11
    Mar
    2019

    Language, Place and Identity: A Dissemination Workshop in Edinburgh

    12:30 – 16:00G32 7 George Square University of Edinburgh Edinburgh EH8 9JZ

    This half day workshop intends to bring those working for, and with, children and young people together to discuss and develop understandings of bilingualism and language learning.

    The findings from a Carnegie Trust funded research project, 'Language, Place and Identity: exploring children's linguistic and cognitive development in heritage and community languages', will be distributed at this event. This project sought to gain a greater understanding of how young people navigate their bilingual identity. The research was a collaborative project between the Universities of Edinburgh (Bilingualism Matters and the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Inverness College).

    Speakers:

    • Professor Antonella Sorace, Director, Bilingualism Matters (University of Edinburgh)
    • Louise Glen, Senior Education Officer, Education Scotland
    • Eòghan Stewart, Gaelic Professional Development Officer, SCILT
    • Jim Whanell, Chair of the Learning Committee, Bòrd na Gàidhlig

    There will also be opportunities for networking and roundtable discussion in order to promote collaborative working and shared learning.

    Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/language-place-and-identity-a-dissemination-workshop-in-edinburgh-registration-53646687687

  • Thu
    14
    Mar
    2019

    Language, Place and Identity: A Dissemination Workshop in Inverness

    11:00 – 15:00AL3/AL5 An Lòchran 10 Inverness Campus Inverness IV2 5NB

    This half day workshop intends to bring those working for, and with, children and young people together to discuss and develop understandings of bilingualism and language learning.

    The findings from a Carnegie Trust funded research project, 'Language, Place and Identity: exploring children's linguistic and cognitive development in heritage and community languages', will be distributed at this event. This project sought to gain a greater understanding of how young people navigate their bilingual identity. The research was a collaborative project between the Universities of Edinburgh (Bilingualism Matters and the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Inverness College).

    Speakers:

    • Professor Antonella Sorace, Director, Bilingualism Matters (University of Edinburgh)
    • Bernard Chisholm, Director of Education and Children's Services, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
    • Calum Alex MacMillan, Development Manager, Fèisean nan Gàidheal
    • Dr Clare Daly, Project Manager, Highland Migrant and Refugee Advocacy (HiMRA)

    There will also be opportunities for networking and roundtable discussion in order to promote collaborative working and shared learning.

    Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/language-place-and-identity-a-dissemination-workshop-in-inverness-registration-53643801053

  • Sat
    16
    Mar
    2019

    SATEAL 2019 Workshop - "Children's Multilingual Stories"

    Outreach Centre, University of Edinburgh

    Workshop at SATEAL (The Scottish Association for Teaching English as an Additional Language) 2019 Conference

    "Children's Multilingual Stories"

    Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be multilingual, or what actually happens in the bilingual brain? Join us to get a glimpse of how these questions were explored by Edinburgh based artists and researchers in schools and communities during the first Edinburgh Multilingual Stories Festival in December 2018. You will meet the festival organisers and engage in hands-on activities. You'll also have a chance to discuss how teachers can take this work forward as part of the curriculum. This workshop is organised by Katarzyna Przybycien (Bilingualism Matters, School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences) and Ania Byerly (Moray House School of Education) at the University of Edinburgh.

    Registration for the conference is now open

  • Tue
    19
    Mar
    2019

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters Chicago

    18:00Kasbeer Hall, 25 E. Pearson St, Loyola University, Chicago, USA
  • Mon
    25
    Mar
    2019

    Bilingualism Matters: A Global Initiative

    16:00American Councils for International Education 1828 L Street, NW Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20036

    Guest lecture and policy discussion, sponsored by the American Councils Research Center, featuring guest lecturer Professor Antonella Sorace. The lecture will be followed by an open discussion featuring Bob Slater (DLI in K-12); Dan Davidson (overseas immersion in higher education); and Richard Brecht (bilingualism in the workforce).

    https://www.americancouncils.org/events/bilingualism-matters-global-initiative

  • Fri
    29
    Mar
    2019

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters @ UoSC

    R2i2 Conference Center, University of South Carolina, USA
  • Thu
    18
    Apr
    2019

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters Hong Kong

    Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong

    https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press_detail.php?id=3030&id=3030

  • Thu
    09
    May
    2019

    Primary school talk: Leith Walk

    14:00Leith Walk Primary School, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Fri
    10
    May
    2019

    Why language learning opens the mind: old prejudices, trendy myths, and new research

    16:15 to 17:30 The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH

    These are interesting times for both the scientific and the public understanding of multilingualism. Old prejudices about learning more than one language in childhood are still widespread, yet new misconceptions about the ‘bilingual advantage’ treat language learning as a panacea. We need two types of ‘bridges’ to debunk old and new myths: bridges that connect different research fields to help understand the interacting factors affecting multilingualism, and bridges to bring a balanced picture of multilingualism research to people from all sectors of society who need to make informed decisions. In this lecture, Antonella Sorace will describe how the research and public engagement centre Bilingualism Matters is successfully building both types of bridges worldwide.  More details

  • Sat
    18
    May
    2019

    Languages Shaping Our Lives @ Luminate Festival 2019

    10.30am to 12pmThe Town House, 57 High Street, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3ED

    As part of the Luminate Festival, join Bilingualism Matters and Art Point Scotland for a great day of fun learning new languages, composing a song and painting. You will also have a chance to listen to Dr Thomas Bak and find out how important it is for all of us to be bilingual. Come talk together about the history of beautiful East Coast port towns – we want to hear from grandparents who remember how the new arriving people shaped community life.

    Part of Artpoint’s "Languages of Art" project where we work with the day centre and nursery to encourage younger and older people to learn languages. This event is free and all are welcome. Full details here.

    Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, delivers a diverse programme of creative events and activities throughout the year, including the biennial Luminate Festival, which runs from 1–31 May 2019. Their projects bring together older people and those from across the generations to explore our creativity as we age and share stories and ideas about what growing older means to all of us.

  • Fri
    07
    Jun
    2019

    Bilingualism Matters Annual Event

    15:30 - 18:30Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI), High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ

    The Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh Annual Event is an opportunity for our audience to connect with and inform our work. This year's programme will celebrate the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages and includes:

    - expert talks on bilingualism, Scots and British Sign Language
    - updates on our work over the last year
    - the opportunity to contribute to round table discussions and influence the future direction of our work in Edinburgh and Scotland
    - a short theatre performance that will challenge your perceptions of British Sign Language

    The event is free to attend and open to everyone - book your place now on Eventbrite.

    Programme details here.

  • Wed
    19
    Jun
    2019

    Engaging students and engaging general public: two sides of the same coin?

    16:05University of Edinburgh

    Session by Thomas Bak, Anna Temp and Katarzyna Przybycien as part of the University of Edinburgh Learning and Teaching Conference 2019.

  • Fri
    28
    Jun
    2019

    Art Speaks All Languages

    15:00 – 17:00University of Edinburgh Room G32, 7 George Square Edinburgh EH8 9JZ

    The Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre/ Syrian Future Project and Bilingualism Matters are delighted to be part of the 2019 Scottish Refugee Festival.

    Join us for this thought-provoking exhibition of art works created by members of the Syrian refugee community in Edinburgh, reflecting on language and the sense of home. These personal and individual experiences expressed by children, young people and adults, will inspire viewers to reflect on their own experiences and understanding of bilingualism and refugee languages.

    The event will be launched with a poetry reading by Ahmad Al-Ejja from Damascus. Ahmad graduated in Arabic language, literature and religious studies. He has been writing poetry for the last ten years and his latest publication is called "Features of the Soul".

    Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available. Registration is on Eventbrite.

    With thanks to the Scottish Episcopal St. Peter’s Church in Newington, for their assistance in providing the workshops venue, and to the Scottish Refugee Council for providing funding.

  • Sun
    04
    Aug
    2019

    Is a bilingual just two monolinguals in one brain?

    15:00Royal Society Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ

    Did you know that learning a second language changes your first language and changes how you think too? Discover why this is important in our increasingly multi-lingual society.
    Antonella Sorace will be giving a talk on two dates at the Royal Society Edinburgh as part of their Fringe presentation. Booking open on Eventbrite.

  • Thu
    08
    Aug
    2019

    Is a bilingual just two monolinguals in one brain?

    12:00Royal Society Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ

    Did you know that learning a second language changes your first language and changes how you think too? Discover why this is important in our increasingly multi-lingual society.
    Antonella Sorace will be giving a talk on two dates at the Royal Society Edinburgh as part of their Fringe presentation. Booking open on Eventbrite.

  • Fri
    16
    Aug
    2019

    Sex, Drugs and Bilingualism - Thomas Bak

    20:10New Town Theatre, 96 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3DH

    When it comes to sex, drugs and bilingualism, we fool ourselves if we believe we are objective, claims Thomas Bak (The University of Edinburgh). These topics touch our social, moral and religious values as well as deep emotions, including the fear of the ‘loss of control’. Beneath the surface of seemingly rational scientific debates rages a war for our souls. So, let’s give up the illusion of ‘objective science’, admit that everybody is wrong (at least occasionally) and look together behind the scenes of the passionately fought ‘bilingualism wars’ to find out why we love/hate languages.

    Part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, tickets £10/£8

  • Sun
    18
    Aug
    2019

    Sex, Drugs and Bilingualism - Thomas Bak

    20:10New Town Theatre, 96 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3DH

    When it comes to sex, drugs and bilingualism, we fool ourselves if we believe we are objective, claims Thomas Bak (The University of Edinburgh). These topics touch our social, moral and religious values as well as deep emotions, including the fear of the ‘loss of control’. Beneath the surface of seemingly rational scientific debates rages a war for our souls. So, let’s give up the illusion of ‘objective science’, admit that everybody is wrong (at least occasionally) and look together behind the scenes of the passionately fought ‘bilingualism wars’ to find out why we love/hate languages.

    Part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, tickets £10/£8

  • Fri
    20
    Sep
    2019
    Sun
    22
    Sep
    2019

    Bilingualism Matters Annual Conference

    Edinburgh

    The Bilingualism Matters Annual Conference is an opportunity for members of Bilingualism Matters branches to come together over a full weekend and discuss network governance, to take part general academic exchange in the open Research Symposium and to share best practice in public engagement practice.

    Registration for the full weekend is open to branch members only. Further details will be distributed through branch directors.

  • Sat
    21
    Sep
    2019

    Bilingualism Matters Research Symposium 2019

    Edinburgh

    Our Annual Research Symposium aims to provide an opportunity for researchers from across our Bilingualism Matters international network and beyond to come together to share and exchange ideas on any aspect of bilingualism, with a focus on dissemination potential beyond the academic world.

    Registration open soon. Full details here.

  • Fri
    27
    Sep
    2019

    Explorathon

    12:00 - 16:00Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

    We will be joining other researchers with fun activities communicating science to families and the general public. Come along, have fun and chat about languages! Free and drop-in. See the full Explorathon weekend programme in Edinburgh here.

  • Fri
    11
    Oct
    2019

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters @ Laurier

    Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

    https://specialprojects.wlu.ca/lamclab/events/

     

  • Fri
    01
    Nov
    2019

    Launch of Bilingualism Matters London

    Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB
  • Thu
    07
    Nov
    2019
    Sun
    10
    Nov
    2019

    Edinburgh Multilingual Stories Festival 2019

    Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL

    Join us for a fantastic free programme of events!

    • Thursday 7th November PM to Sunday 10th November - The MEITs Pop-Up World of Languages: a journey through three zones to uncover the hidden treasures of languages through our family-friendly, hands-on activities and games. Drop-in, various times
    • Saturday 9th November 1.30pm to 2.30pm - 'More than one language: what parents and teachers need to know' talk by Antonella Sorace. Book on Eventbrite
    • Saturday 9th November 11am to 4pm - Multilingual book book swap. Drop-in
    • Saturday 9th November 11am to 4pm - Multilingual Stories from Scottish Schools - an exhibition of art works exploring languages created by school children from Edinburgh. Drop-in
    • Sunday 10th November - 'Kinetic Reading: Language Learning Through Movement' workshop for children aged 9 to 11. Book on Eventbrite

    Full details on all events here

  • Mon
    11
    Nov
    2019

    Primary school talk: St. Joseph's

    14:30St Joseph's R.C. Primary School, 39 Saughton Rd, Edinburgh EH11 3RQ

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Fri
    15
    Nov
    2019
    Sun
    17
    Nov
    2019

    London Language Show

    Olimpia, London

    Bilingualism Matters will be at Stand F12 at this year's Language Show in London - come and see us! You can also catch Antonella Sorace in two sessions on the Saturday.

    Busting myths: the real benefits of learning languages. Saturday, 12.45-13.30
    Language learning is the new elixir, making you healthier, wealthier and, if you believe the hype, more attractive! Well, it’s always tempting to believe in magic! There are clear and real advantages from learning other languages – both spoken language and sign languages – and developing or maintaining bilingual and multilingual capabilities. Yet, there is also a good deal of public misunderstanding about how multilingualism benefits individuals and societies and why. In this session, Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics, University of Edinburgh, Professor Bencie Woll, Director of the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre University College London and Bernardette Holmes MBE, Director of Speak to the Future will take a realistic look at the bilingual advantage, drawing on and connecting recent scientific and policy research fields. Find out more about the effects of having more than one language.

    Language learning: the younger, the better? Saturday, 16.45-17.30
    Many people assume that languages are learned more easily and more completely by young children: according to this common view, there is an optimal period for language learning which coincides with childhood and most adult learners cannot reach very high proficiency levels even in ideal conditions. But is this really true? Recent research shows that languages can be learned across the lifespan, although in ways that are consistent with cognitive abilities available at different ages: younger is not necessarily better unless particular conditions are met. This workshop presented by Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics, University of Edinburgh will explore the implications of these findings for education and policy making.

  • Sat
    16
    Nov
    2019

    Jornada de español en Edimburgo

    01:00School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, 50 George Square, Edinburgh

    Course for teachers on new trends in the teaching and learning of Spanish as a Foreign Language. Organised by The Spanish Embassy Education Office, the University of Edinburgh and the Asociación de Escuelas de Español para Extranjeros de Andalucía. Register for free on Eventbrite.

  • Thu
    05
    Dec
    2019

    The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas: What changes when you become bilingual?

    17:30The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB

    Did you know that learning a second language changes your first language? And did you know that having more than one language in the brain can change the way you think? Join Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters) to discover why being bilingual is so much more than simply speaking two languages, and why this is important for our increasingly multilingual societies.

    Tickets are £5, from The Stand website.

  • Thu
    09
    Jan
    2020

    School talk

    George Heriot's School, Edinburgh

    This event is for pupils of the above school. If you are interested in a similar session at your own school please ask the headteacher to get in touch.

  • Fri
    31
    Jan
    2020

    Preserving Minority Languages

    CCA Glasgow 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD Glasgow

    Antonella Sorace joins this discussion as part of 'Finnish Exposure in Glasgow' weekend of events. Full details: https://www.fininst.uk/events/30-1-2-2-finnish-exposure-in-glasgow/

  • Fri
    21
    Feb
    2020

    International Mother Language Day Celebration

    20:30City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh

    Celebrating language diversity on International Mother Language Day with community partners. This event is hosted by The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council, Happy to Translate and Bilingualism Matters. Register on Eventbrite

  • Fri
    21
    Feb
    2020

    Twitter Q& A with Prof Antonella Sorace

    3pm to 4pm (GMT)Twitter #askbiling

    On International Mother Language Day, get all your questions about bilingualism and language learning answered by our expert Professor Antonella Sorace at our live Twitter Q&A. Use the hashtag #askbiling to leave your questions, and follow Bilingualism Matters on Twitter: @bilingmatters

  • Sat
    22
    Feb
    2020

    BHASHA - The Glasgow Language Festival 2020

    13:30 - 16:00St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art, Glasgow

    An afternoon workshop of cultural and language exchange to mark International Mother Language Day 2020. Bilingualism Matters will be there with language activies and information. This event is organised by the Bangladesh Association Glasgow and Glasgow Museums.
    Book your place on Eventbrite

  • Sat
    29
    Feb
    2020

    An Edinburgh Housewarming!

    10:00 - 17:00University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy

    The University of Edinburgh Amnesty International Society presents a cultural celebration by and for newcomers to Scotland. Art work by refugees from last year's exhibition 'Art Speaks All Languages' will be on display from 11:00 to 12:00.
    Full details on Facebook.

  • Wed
    04
    Mar
    2020

    Primary school talk

    14:00St. Catherine's Primary School, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all parents and carers of children from the above school. We are unable to accommodate parents and carers of pupils from other schools, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own school please contact your headteacher.

  • Sat
    07
    Mar
    2020

    Saturday school talk: Girotondo Italian School

    Drummond Community High School, Edinburgh

    This event is open to all members of the above Saturday school in Edinburgh. We are unable to accommodate non-members, but if you are interested in a similar session at your own Saturday school or community group please get in touch.

  • Sat
    21
    Mar
    2020

    Art of the Language - project workshop

    Musselburgh East Community Centre

    **CANCELLED due to Coronavirus** Plans to reschedule in Autumn.
    Training workshop with Artpoint Scotland for East Lothian Play Association affiliates.
    If you are interested in a similar session for an organisation you are involved with please get in touch: bilingualism-matters@ed.ac.uk

  • Wed
    03
    Jun
    2020

    INVESTING IN LANGUAGES Why Multilingualism Matters

    12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ESTOnline - Zoom

    The United Nations Association of New York presents a webinar with Prof Antonella Sorace on research that shows multilingualism in any languages, regardless of their status, prestige, and worldwide diffusion, can give children and adults a range of linguistic, cognitive and social benefits.
    Details and registration here: unanyc.org/events/2020/20200603_sorace.html

     

  • Fri
    05
    Jun
    2020

    Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh Webinar

    Online

    Join our webinar with Prof Antonella Sorace and Dr Thomas Bak giving fascinating talks on bilingualism, followed by an opportunity for questions.

    "Languages in lockdown and beyond" - Prof Antonella Sorace

    The COVID-19 crisis has changed the world as we knew it. It has also magnified both the positive effects and the challenges of multilingualism, across different families, ages, sectors, and modalities. While going back to the pre-pandemic state may not be possible in the short run, we can capitalise on what we have learned so far and invest in more effective practices to maintain and encourage multilingualism in society.

    "How to interpret bilingualism studies" - Dr Thomas Bak

    With seemingly conflicting stories about bilingualism often appearing in the news, how can we work out the truth from eye-catching headlines? As with many other examples of confusing information we get nowadays (including CoViD-19), there are ways in which we can distinguish fact from fiction, quality from quantity, substance from slogans. Illustrated with recent examples, Thomas will discuss how to find a path through a forest of conflicting results.

    Register now on Eventbrite to receive an email 48 hours before the event with full details and the link to join.

    This webinar replaces our annual Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh event which was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

  • Mon
    15
    Jun
    2020

    Refugee Week 2020: Let's Celebrate Languages!

    14:00 - 15:00 (BST)Online

    Two online sessions hosted by Bilingualism Matters celebrating language diversity, discussing questions from the refugee community.

    Do you have questions about refugee languages, home language maintenance or language and identity? Join our two sessions exploring and celebrating languages in Refugee Week 2020.

    Monday 15th June, 2-3pm: Prof Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh, Bilingualism Matters) in conversation with Nadin Akta (University of Edinburgh, Syrian Futures Project)

    Friday 19th June, 2-3pm: Dr Katerina Strani (Associate Professor of Cultural Studies, Heriot Watt University)

    • These sessions will be held on Zoom.
    • Attendees will be muted with no video but can participate with questions and comments in the chat area.
    • An email with joining instructions will be sent no less than two hours before the sessions.

    REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE

  • Fri
    19
    Jun
    2020

    Refugee Week 2020: Let's Celebrate Languages!

    14:00 - 15:00 (BST)Online

    Two online sessions hosted by Bilingualism Matters celebrating language diversity, discussing questions from the refugee community.

    Do you have questions about refugee languages, home language maintenance or language and identity? Join our two sessions exploring and celebrating languages in Refugee Week 2020.

    Monday 15th June, 2-3pm: Prof Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh, Bilingualism Matters) in conversation with Nadin Akta (University of Edinburgh, Syrian Futures Project)

    Friday 19th June, 2-3pm: Dr Katerina Strani (Associate Professor of Cultural Studies, Heriot Watt University)

    • These sessions will be held on Zoom.
    • Attendees will be muted with no video but can participate with questions and comments in the chat area.
    • An email with joining instructions will be sent no less than two hours before the sessions.

    REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE

  • Mon
    17
    Aug
    2020

    (Not) learning languages in the Brexit era

    3pm to 4pm (BST)Online - Zoom

    Join Professor Antonella Sorace at one of two RSE Curious events this week.

    Research shows that language learning is good for the brain and general wellbeing at all ages. What’s the UK missing out on in the current Brexit climate?

    Event full - join waiting list here.

  • Tue
    18
    Aug
    2020

    Adult Bilingualism: Mission Impossible?

    13:00Online

    Many people think it is difficult or impossible to learn another language well as an adult. But is it really true? Come and find out who very successful adult language learners are and why they are not Martians.

    Register directly here.

  • Fri
    04
    Sep
    2020

    The New Normal for Languages at Home, School and in the Community

    2pm to 4.30pmOnline

    This webinar, co-hosted by SCILT will provide a learning and development opportunity for language teachers in five areas: primary education; secondary education; English as an Additional Language; Saturday schools; and Gaelic education.The event is set in the Scottish education context but is open to everyone.

    Draft programme now available.

    Register on Eventbrite.

  • Tue
    22
    Sep
    2020

    Bilingualism Matters Research Symposium 2020

    Online

    The Bilingualism Matters Research Symposium 2020 (BMRS2020) is an annual interdisciplinary research conference organised by the Bilingualism Matters international network and is open to researchers at any stage of their career. The symposium was originally planned to be held in Krakow in Poland, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions will be held online. Full details here.

  • Mon
    28
    Sep
    2020

    Multimind Project Training Session: Making research relevant to diverse audiences

    Prof Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh, UK)
    Dr Katarzyna Przybycien (Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh, UK)
    28 Sep 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 CEST/UTC+02
    During the interactive webinar you will learn how to adjust your communication style when engaging diverse audiences: families, health professionals, press, radio, policy makers with research on bilingualism.  The session will feature examples and a practical exercise evolving around participants’ own research.

    This session is open to Multimind Project researchers and Bilingualism Matters network members only. Register here: https://edinburgh.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/bilingualism-matters-making-research-relevant-registration

  • Tue
    29
    Sep
    2020

    Multimind Project Training Session: Bilingualism Matters Network – academic collaboration beyond research

    Dr Katarzyna Przybycien (Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh, UK)
    Prof Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh, UK)
    29 Sep 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 CEST/UTC+02
    The webinar will introduce participating to the Bilingualism Matters Network, its history, inner workings and selected projects. Participants will be invited to create a simple dissemination strategy for their own research using opportunities available within the Bilingualism Matters network.

    This session is open to Multimind Project researchers and Bilingualism Matters network members only. Register here: https://edinburgh.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/bilingualism-matters-network-academic-collaboration-beyo-2

  • Fri
    06
    Nov
    2020

    Recent Insights from Research on Gaelic and Bilingualism / Tuigsean Nodha bho Rannsachadh air a’ Ghàidhlig agus Dà-chànanachas

    15:00 - 16:30 (BST)Online - Zoom

    At this event, members of Bilingualism Matters, including Prof. Antonella Sorace, Dr Vicky Chondrogianni, and Prof. Robert Dunbar, will present recent research relating to various aspects of Gaelic and bilingualism relevant to various aspects of Gaelic language policy. In English and Gaelic. Register on Eventbrite.

    Part of the Edinburgh Gaelic Festival.

  • Fri
    13
    Nov
    2020

    Revive, Remix, Reform – The Role of Languages in Post-COVID Recovery

    11:00Online - Zoom

    As we put in place a Post-COVID recovery plan, how we educate our children, get back to work and reconnect with other countries and communities to support global recovery will require language skills and cultural agility more than ever before. In this session, brought to you by Bernardette Holmes MBE of Speak to the Future and Professor Antonella Sorace of Bilingualism Matters, will be speakers from the Ministry of Defence and other government departments, the business sector and leading academics who will give lightning talks reimagining the new normal post-COVID and signposting the role of languages and intercultural understanding in building a better future. Now is the time to revive, remix and reform the role of languages in all aspects of lives.
    Register for free Zoom Webinar here
    Part of The Language Show Virtual Event - Full programme here

  • Wed
    18
    Nov
    2020

    Bilingualism Matters Network General Meeting

    Online - Zoom

    The annual meeting of Bilingualism Matters branches from around the world.

  • Sun
    21
    Feb
    2021
    Fri
    26
    Feb
    2021

    International Mother Language Day - Celebration events with BM

    Find out what Bilingualism Matters branches and partners are doing to celebrate International Mother Language Day on and around 21st February 2021. See the full list and preview our NEW website here: https://www.bilingualism-matters.org/events/mother-language-day-celebrations-2021

     

  • Sun
    21
    Feb
    2021

    A Celebration of Multilingualism at the Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival

    14:00Online

    Join Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh and the Multimind Project in a celebration and discussion of multilingualism and its myths and facts. The event is for anyone interested to learn more about multilingualism in general as well as multilingualism in the different countries. Click here to register here.

  • Sun
    21
    Feb
    2021

    Myths and Facts of Multilingualism at the Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival

    15:00Online

    Join Professor Antonella Sorace, Founding Director of Bilingualism Matters for this fascinating talk. Click here to register.

  • Mon
    22
    Feb
    2021

    International Mother Language Day Celebration (Edinburgh & Lothians)

    5pm to 6pmOnline

    An online event organised by Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) to celebrate International Mother Language Day and to raise awareness of different cultures and multilingualism. Contributions from the Lord Provost, Sir Geoff Palmer, Prof Antonella Sorace of Bilingualism Matters, Happy to Translate and Lusofonias.
    Register on Eventbrite

  • Fri
    26
    Feb
    2021

    Scotland's Languages Landscape: Equity in Diversity

    13:30 to 16:00Online

    Organised by SCILT and open to Scottish Local Authority representatives and the wider languages community, to celebrate their languages journey and share their achievements. Bilingualism Matters Edinburgh members will lead one of the breakout sessions. More details and registration on Eventbrite

  • Tue
    20
    Apr
    2021

    Autism & Bilingualism: Practitioner Webinar

    16:30Online - Zoom
    Webinar for UK clinicians (and students) interested in autism and bilingualism on Tuesday 20th April 2021.
    Covering the latest findings in the field with speakers on:
    • cognitive development of autistic bilingual children
    • measuring language skills
    • understanding lived experiences
    • autistic bilingual adults' life & social skills
    More information: https://edin.ac/2OB3jkq
    Registration on Eventbrite: https://edin.ac/3eFl7Wn