If one were to offer monolingual U.S. citizens the ability to function, not only in English, but in any other language of their choice, simply by waving a magic wand over them, the vast majority would accept the offer. Yet, the most common lament of monolingual adults pertains to their inability to speak other languages. This is a disquieting fact in an age of rapidly changing geopolitics and global economics. People may try to sell in English, but the reality is the purchaser tends to buy in his/her own native tongue.
Knowing how language is 'acquired', be it first or second language, is critical to reversing this dilemma. Research demonstrates second language acquisition is not only 'good politics,’ but directly related to literacy in the native tongue. It not only supports understanding across cultures, but supports comprehension of what is said, written and viewed in the first language as well. In essence, it is the river that floats the wisdom of the ages. You may wonder:
-How does the human mind create and acquire language?
-What type of environment best supports language acquisition?
Come with questions; leave with answers. And most important…learn how the academic library can facilitate language acquisition, thus facilitating literacy.
John De Mado is an accomplished author, publisher, consultant, teacher and public speaker on foreign languages / language acquisition.
Sponsored by Mango Languages.
