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Multilingual Mainers

For Parents

Are you a multilingual parent and interested in participating in our program? Consider volunteering!

Language learning and multilingualism build intercultural competencies including improved self-awareness, ability to communicate across cultures, and the development of respect, openness and curiosity about difference.  Key cognitive benefits also include:

  • Enhanced problem solving and creative thinking skills
  • Improved verbal and spatial abilities
  • Improved memory function, both long and short-term
  • Improved attitude toward the target language and culture

This improved cognitive function leads to stronger academic success across the board, such as in:

  • Standardized testing
  • Reading comprehension
  • Vocabulary in native language

Sources: “Benefits of Language Learning” (ACTFL).

How Learning a New Language Improves Tolerance 

Additional Resources

Lead with Languages – Compilation of resources on language learning and strategies for each grade level

Talking with Young Children about Race – Tips and Resources for talking with young children about race, racism and being anti-racist

 

Rebecca Perez reading a picture book in Spanish to elementary school students
kid's crayon drawing of lunch table with four students and reader
Bowdoin student reading Where the Wild Things Are in Ukrainian
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Multilingual Mainers · research.bowdoin.edu