Multilingualism / Bilingualism
At AIA, multilingualism plays a crucial role in shaping our students' identities and fostering cultural connections. The home language serves as a foundation for personal and cultural identity, grounding individuals in their heritage and familial roots. It is through the home language that learners develop a sense of belonging and connection to their cultural heritage, traditions, and values. Multilingualism not only preserves cultural diversity but also enriches communication and understanding across different communities.
Moreover, studies have consistently demonstrated the cognitive benefits of multilingualism (Anastassiou, 2020), particularly when second language acquisition is based on proficiency in the home language. Research indicates that learners who are proficient in their home language have an advantage when learning a second language (Reynolds, 1991), as they can transfer language skills, cognitive strategies, and cultural knowledge from their first home language to the second language. This transferability enhances the efficiency of language acquisition, facilitating a deeper understanding and cultural appreciation. Thus, embracing multilingualism not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides cognitive benefits and enriches our students' linguistic and cultural repertoires, fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding.
