The Science Supporting Dual Language Learners

With presentations by Dr. Patricia Kuhl, Dr. Sarah Lytle and Dr. Linda Espinosa, we explored the science of language development — how babies and toddlers have the capacity to easily learn other languages while ensuring they maintain their native language, which carries significant social, linguistic, cognitive and cultural benefits. We also learned about policy and practice implications, particularly for the early childhood sector and for parents and other caregivers.

The presentations underscored the importance of adult-child interactions for optimal language development, starting at birth; supports and tools for parents; specific training for early childhood providers; school readiness assessments for dual language learners (DLLs); and — more broadly — dispelling myths about DLLs.