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The Thesis

Raising Multilingual Children is about how children learn foreign languages and when they do so with the best results. The main thesis is that there are ten key factors in helping children learn a foreign language and each child combines these factors differently. Timing, Aptitude, Motivation, Strategy, Consistency, Opportunity and the Linguistic Relationship between the languages being learned, Siblings, Gender and Hand-Use, as it reflects cerebral dominance, are all part of each multilingual child's profile.

The Purpose

The purpose of this book is to guide parents on the path towards a multilingual household, and to reinterpret the often technical information about how foreign languages are learned into a format agreeable to both laymen and academicians alike. This informative, yet humorous book identifies choices parents and teachers need to make in order to guide the children around them in foreign language acquisition. One hundred and twenty studies illustrate the many ways families combine the key factors in raising multilingual children, and are used to inspire parents towards developing this intelligence within their own children. Using an interactive format, this book challenges the reader to reflect on their personal situations and to act.

The Format

The book evaluates the most recent research in linguistics, neurology, education and psychology and reinterprets their findings in a 'recipe format' which parents and academicians alike will find appetizing. Beginning with the Ingredients of Timing, or the Windows of Opportunity, and Aptitude, the book goes on to include the Baking Instructions of Motivation, Strategy and Consistency. This is complimented by one's Kitchen Design, or the role of the language learning environment which includes Opportunity to use the languages, the Linguistic Relationship between the child's languages, and the possible influence of Siblings. Plumbing and Electricity round out the ten key factors in raising multilingual children by discussing the possible role of Gender and Hand-Use, and our understanding of the multilingual brain at the beginning of the new millenium. Chef and Chef's Assistants addresses the vital role of teachers and schools in a child's foreign language development. And A Mess in the Kitchen discusses problem situations related to foreign language learning. Parents and Teachers are encouraged to 'bake their own' and evaluate the multilingual children in their lives with the use of tools in the book which include a Family Language Profile and Family Language Goals worksheet.

Ordering Information :

For amazon.com in the USA click here: Raising Multilingual Children : Foreign...  

For amazon.co.uk in the UK click here: Order Raising Multilingual Children Today!

Or contact greenwood.com or www.barnsandnoble.com

Comments or Questions?

E-mail the author on: tracey.tokuhama@ties.itu.int

Reviews
"Raising Multilingual Children is a brilliantly written introduction to the possibilities of promoting children's language skills in the family, especially in multilingual settings. This book can be warmly recommended as being one of the rare examples of concrete, well-structured help for parents, teachers, and caregivers who are facing the challenge of encouraging bilingual and multilingual development "in real life." It is particularly valuable and convincing because it blends sound knowledge about the psychological, linguistic, and social dimensions of language learning, reflexive personal experience, with a refreshing and enthusiastic approach to the issues. All this is presented in a witty style, so mouth-watering that hardly any reader will resist trying out the concept."
Cristina Allemann-Ghionda
Professor of Education
University of Cologne, Germany

"This book, whilst entertaining to read, is not just another opinion on the subject. It provides a comprehensive guideline backed up with scientifically proven data, yet leaving plenty of room for individual development."
Marlene Hall-Amsler
Translator

"Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa has provided parents and caregivers an engaging encounter with the complex, but laudable enterprise of facilitating language acquisition in children. This text is an exciting addition to the library of homes raising children equipped to live in our multicultural world."
Terry A. Osborn
Co-director, Foreign Language Education
City University of New York

"An excellent resource for any family wishing to develop an individual approach to multiple language acquisition....This book is a valuable source of information and strategies for international school parents and teachers."
Silke Vannatter
Coordinator, Learning Support
International School of Geneva

"Having myself raised three children in a polyglot situation and often being puzzled by contradicting advice, I would have enjoyed having a book like this much earlier. This book may be a guide through difficult times and answer questions about how, when and what to do about language- education. A real tool in helping understand the construction of language and to work out a personalized program adapted to each individual case."
Beatte Broadhurst
Teacher