Abigail:Hi my name is Abigail Kurtz and I am your host today. The topic we chose was Multilingualism. Multilingualism in children is one of those topics that seems straightforward at first, but the deeper we explored it, the more we realized how powerful, complex, and misunderstood it really is. When we started researching how a child’s home language affects their learning, we found overwhelming evidence that multilingual children actually develop stronger and more flexible cognitive abilities. To dive deeper into the facts I'm going to give it over to Nicole, our researcher.

Nicole: Hi everyone, I'm Nicole Henriques. I did the research for this topic, and I found some very interesting and impactful facts based on our topic of multilingualism. One fact was that it boosts cognitive development. Children who grow up multilingual show stronger problem-solving skills, creativity, and mental flexibility. Research highlights that learning multiple languages enhances executive function. Another fact I found was it strengthens social and emotional growth. Using a child's home language in education fosters a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. It also helps children maintain strong family and community connections. One last important fact I found was that It encourages inclusivity and global awareness. Multilingual education exposes children to diverse perspectives, making them more empathetic and better prepared for intercultural communication in a globalized world. Now back to you Abigail.

Abigail: One thing that we couldn't ignore when learning about this topic was stereotypes and misconceptions that still follow multilingual students and shape how schools treat them.
Elizabeth is going to explain more about these stereotypes that follow these children.

Elizabeth: Hi my name is Elizabeth Langan and there is so much to say about the stereotypes and barriers multilingual children and even adults face. Some include “Multilingual students are less intelligent or capable.” This is a very harmful stereotype because it ignores evidence that multilingualism is linked to better problem-solving, memory, and academic success. The ability to use two or more languages opens up doors for children to learn in multiple different ways. Another one is the idea that English is superior. The English only instruction is harmful because research shows that affirming cultural identity and native language, builds confidence, belonging, and stronger educational outcomes. Neuroscientists and educators have found that bilingual children often learn English more quickly because their brains are already skilled at language processing. Supporting the home language does not slow English or ignore it, it benefits it. Back to you Abigail with more information.

Abigail: Another damaging stereotype is the idea that multilingual learners are less capable or academically weaker than their monolingual peers. This belief erases the research showing that multilingualism is linked to stronger reading skills, better attention control, and higher long-term academic achievement. And then there is the pressure to “assimilate,” which pushes students to leave behind their home language and adopt English-only behaviors. Articles from the NEA, UNESCO, and Futurum helped us understand how monolingual ideologies still dominate schools, even though evidence shows that embracing a student’s home language leads to better belonging, better participation, and better learning outcomes. Valuing multiple languages is not only respectful, it is educationally strategic. Now I'm going to let Gabby tell you some more important and misunderstood aspects of multilinguism.

Gabriella: Hi name is Gabriella Pyros and I will speak further on the experience multilingual students have in the classroom. It is important for multilingual students to feel validated and comfortable speaking their native languages in the classroom. Students shouldn’t feel restricted or confined when they communicate in the classroom. The integration of other languages and cultures can allow students to feel represented, but it also can introduce new languages to other students. Students are often pressured to speak English in school and are discouraged to speak other languages or code switch during class. The expectation to speak English in the classroom can be very confusing for students as it creates the idea that speaking their native language is wrong. But creating connections between the languages can bridge the two together, allowing them to intertwine. Many students are made to feel ashamed when speaking in their home languages, but opening up this conversation can change the classroom experience for many multilingual students. Now I will bring it back to Abigail to wrap up our episode for today.

Abigail: To wrap up this episode, we have realized that through researching, recording, editing, and designing this episode, it taught us why embracing linguistic diversity isn’t optional, it’s essential for truly inclusive and effective education. Thank you for taking the time to listen to our podcast.

Nicole: We hope you listeners found this episode to be very informative, learned something new, as well as changed your perspective on multilingualism to a positive view.

Gabriella: Hope you all enjoyed our episode for today! Have a great day from wherever you are listening from.

Elizabeth: Thank you again and stay tuned for the next episode. Hope you all join in!