With a student body representing more than 70 nationalities and well over 30 languages spoken, multilingualism is fundamental to creating connection and inclusion at ISKL. In February, ISKL had the privilege of hosting Dr. Gianfranco Conti, a distinguished expert in language acquisition, for a VOX ISKL workshop on the transformative power of language learning.
Dr Conti presented the many benefits of learning a language, the mechanics of language acquisition and shared some practical strategies for parental support in fostering linguistic proficiency.
“When you think about language, it actually shapes the way we see the world, and our perception of the world is inherently intertwined with the language we use,” said Dr Conti. “Language acts as a cognitive filter, shaping how we interpret and understand our surroundings. It differs depending on cultural and linguistic contexts,” he shared.
A key takeaway from his presentation was the importance of preserving and nurturing students’ home languages alongside English. Dr Conti noted “Research shows that parents are the main force in maintaining bilingualism and multilingualism at a level that is going to promote benefits. The quality of the parent-child interaction in their first language it so important and predicts the child’s IQ in language skills 10 years later!”
Emphasizing that language acquisition is not about substitution but enrichment, ISKL encourages students to nurture and develop their linguistic identity. The research underscores the cognitive advantages of bilingualism, with proficiency in one language facilitating the acquisition of others—a principle echoed in ISKL’s educational approach.
Dr. Conti also explored the transferability of cognitive and academic skills across languages. While grammatical structures and vocabulary may vary between languages, the cognitive processes underpinning language acquisition remain universal. By nurturing proficiency in their home languages, students are able to lay a robust foundation for mastering English and other languages.
Central to his message was the imperative of maintaining the home language within the home and educational spheres. ISKL echoes this belief, recognizing the intrinsic value of linguistic diversity..
In essence, multilingualism is not solely a linguistic skill but a gateway to cross-cultural understanding, cognitive development, and academic excellence. At ISKL, it is fundamental to our inclusive educational environment, and seen as essential in nurturing identity, and empowering our students to shape their paths as global citizens.
About VOX ISKL
VOX ISKL was created as a thought leadership platform to ignite learning, reflection, and conversations about important topics. Sessions are open to ISKL’s internal community as well as the wider community.
VOX ISKL was a finalist in the 2023 International School Awards in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice category, short-listed in Talk Education’s 2023 Innovation in Education Awards, and a recipient of the International Forums of Global Practitioners (IFIP) Global Inclusion Award 2024 in the Education Social Impact category.
Missed a VOX ISKL? Visit ISKL’s YouTube and Spotify channels to check out previous sessions:
- Creating a Better World: From Empathy to Impact
- Communication and Conflict: Approaches to Build and Repair Relationships Learning
- Belonging & Inclusion: Inspiring Learners to Shape their Path as Global Citizens
- Approaches to Building Student Social and Emotional Learning for Academic Success, Balance, and Community
CommUNITY @ISKL panel discussion - Growing a School Community for Identity, Agency, and Healing
- Identity-Centered Learning
- The Art of Courageous Conversations
- Living by Our Values: A Compass for Success and Wholeness
Join us on our learning journey and subscribe to our ISKL’s events list at www.iskl.edu.my/community/events/
