This book demonstrates the importance of raising multilingual children in the UK, both for the children's own benefit and for the benefit of society as a whole. Against the backdrop of both the rich linguistic diversity already present in the UK and the challenges faced by any languages other than a few major European languages to find any space in educational contexts, the author challenges the myth that multilingualism hinders English language acquisition and use, instead emphasising the cultural and cognitive advantages of multilingual education and support for home and community languages. The book is a call to action for educators, policymakers and parents, combining practical strategies with research-based insights to support its readers in advocating for multilingual education. It presents a hopeful vision for education in the UK, where teachers can combine technological innovations and the linguistic resources of their classrooms and communities to support and promote multilingualism.

Combines practical strategies with research-based insights to support multilingualism

About the Author

Jieun Kiaer is Professor of Korean Linguistics at the University of Oxford, UK. Her recent publications include Young Children's Foreign Language Anxiety: The Case of South Korea (with Jessica M. Morgan-Brown and Naya Choi, Multilingual Matters, 2021) and Multimodal Communication in Young Multilingual Children: Learning Beyond Words (Multilingual Matters, 2023).

Reviews
Written in an accessible style, this book seamlessly blends research-based insights with practical advice on unlocking the vast potential of multilingual and intercultural competence in children. Its compelling call for collaboration among educators, parents, and policymakers makes it a must-read for anyone passionate about transforming language education. * Zhu Hua, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, UK *
This book does not simply provide a strong case for the benefits and need to raise multilingual children; it goes further and shows useful research-based tips about how to make the most of innovative technologies and translanguaging pedagogies to guarantee access to engaging and relevant language education for every young learner and promote a diverse and inclusive society. * Nicola Fraschini, The University of Melbourne, Australia *



Book Information
ISBN 9781800414679
Author Jieun Kiaer
Format Paperback
Page Count 194
Imprint Multilingual Matters
Publisher Multilingual Matters