Demonstrating the benefits of early bilingualism for Arabic-speaking families

Status

Research Completed

In partnership with Adelphi University, this study provides training for caregivers of young children in Arabic-speaking families living in New York City on the importance of maintaining their mother tongue.

Adelphi University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will offer a free Language Environment Analysis (LENA) for Arabic speaking caregivers of children 0 to 33 months old. Our grant supports 3 trainings for approximately 45 to 50 Arabic speaking families in New York City.

Research shows more exposure in the early years to one’s mother tongue is essential to making children truly bilingual. Demonstrating the importance of maintaining Arabic to families is essential to ensure that families do not place more importance on acquiring English, thus abandoning and devaluing Arabic. By increasing awareness of the benefits of bilingualism, parents understand the importance of preserving their home language and how it is essential for making their children truly bilingual and biliterate, essential skills for their children’s future.

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In partnership with Adelphi University, this study provides training for caregivers of young children in Arabic-speaking families living in New York City on the importance of maintaining their mother tongue.