Who is bilingual Bilingual anyone who can communicate

Who is bilingual? Bilingual = anyone who can communicate in more than one language.

What we know about bilingualism �There are more second language speakers of English than native speakers �There as many bilingual children as there are monolingual children. �More than half the worlds population is bilingual. �Bilingualism is present in all continents, classes of society and age groups.

How many people are bilingual? • EU has 508 million inhabitants. • Comprised of 28 countries. • 98% of the population think that is important to learn another language.

Imagine �The world is small, today it only takes as little as 47 hours to travel around the world in an airplane! �Business is major cause of bilingualism… joining people, products, & ideas.

Increased job possibilities • 1/3 top business people are bilingual • bilingual employees earn more money ($7, 000/year) • Spanish is one of the most demanded languages Set Future Job sucess

Bilingual children see the world differently. �Gain access to two cultures �Accepting of other people �Better social interaction Social Advantages

The bilingual brain

Bilingual people notice how language works: • • • Understand language structures and rules easier. More mental flexibility. More alert. Easier to focus, remember and make decisions. More creative. Better problem solvers (think outside the box).

The brain can deal with two (or even more) languages.

Did you know? �Children can learn a language with less ‘effort’ than an adult. For children its as natural as learning to walk. �Studies support that bilingualism protects against dementia and depression.

Raising global citizens Being blingual = stronger and healthier brain, more job possibilities, and better social interaction!