Linguists Collective Conference & International Mother Language Day IMLD Celebration
Linguists Collective Conference & Celebration
of International Mother Language Day
Wednesday, 21 February 2024
Social and cognitive advantages in early second language learners and young bilingual
Dr. Valeria Agostini, on behalf of the Consulate General of Italy in London, will present scientific findings on the positive impact of early bilingual experiences on cognitive development. The presentation will explore the advantages observed in perspective-taking and creative thinking among young individuals who engage in bilingualism from an early age. Empirical evidence will be presented to support the proposition that the introduction of second language acquisition during the early years of formal education brings about benefits for children’s cognitive abilities.
The session will draw upon a comprehensive longitudinal study conducted among a cohort of monolingual children aged 4-5 in England. The results revealed a noteworthy achievement, as children engaged in second language learning within formal educational settings outperformed their counterparts in referential perspective-taking. Furthermore, the degree of exposure to the second language was identified as a pivotal factor, amplifying the observed benefits in cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking. Join us for this insightful presentation, where we will delve into the fascinating world of early bilingual experiences and their profound impact on cognitive development.
About Dr. Agostini
Dr. Valeria Agostini, on behalf of the Consulate General of Italy in London, earned a PhD in psychology from the University of Birmingham, researching the impact of early second language learning on cognitive development. She works for the Consulate General of Italy in London as a primary educator and teaches Italian with a CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach at St. John’s CofE Primary School in London. Additionally, she collaborates with the Centre of Developmental Science at the University of Birmingham. Valeria has a rich professional background, having worked as a primary language teacher in Italy and Germany. In Germany, Valeria taught in the bilingual section of a local school, appointed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.