A Webinar on Constructing the Multilingual Mindset

Hi Friends,

I am delightful to share the webinars summary. It’s a learning experience for me. I enjoyed a lot while putting it. Now I am going to share key points of the last webinar in a nutshell. Hopefully, you will take out some precious time of yours to read it.

The Last webinar was on “**Constructing the Multilingual Mindset”*.* This webinar presented by Maria Norton. Deeper learning is the tool of comprehension. Learning and teaching process need a language through which we can have the core of our relationships with the world and each other. But we face a lots of hindrances during the learning. One of the hindrance is language.Recent research in cognitive science demonstrates how speaking more than one language promotes creativity and tolerance; it also enhances our problem-solving skills. This can be achieved by constructing the ‘Multilingual Mindset’: a more inclusive approach towards languages and culture.Being multilingual is an asset in today´s world.Maria mam tackled the webinar by putting the words how to adopt the Multilingual Mindset: the new global literacy.

✍️Points to be noted in the webinar….

👉🏿Mindset means personal opinion for allowing ourselves to use the power of brain based on perceived strengths and weaknesses.

👉🏿The strongest word here is "weaknesses". Beacause it's easy to perceive your own strengths, but it really needs some introspection to perceive your own weaknesses.

👉🏿Multilingualism is that which paves way to switch between languages in different levels ( code mixing, code switching, code meshing and trans language) Which traditional language teachers don't approve of .

👉🏿Recent research suggests that multilingualism and language learning can have significant effects on cognitive functions throughout the lifetime. It has added a new and potentially highly relevant argument to the list of potential benefits.

👉🏿Reality shows that one needs to move away from our comfort zone. That’s where resilience comes in. we need to be open minded and respect, accept other people's perspectives. We need to be able to LISTEN rather than hear. Analyze- focus -learn-commit-teach.

👉🏿There is a lot of wonderful research done in Canada for example by Ellen Bialystok on cognitive advantages of bilingualism, especially the elderly and the onset of dementia. There's also a lot of stuff done on the improvement of your reaction times - you respond to stimuli much better and are selective - just like on your poster, Maria. cancelling the "noise" and focusing on the target.

👉🏿While learning the new language , the brain recognizes familiar things.It creates connections. It is useful for the multilinguism.

👉🏿One doesn't require proficiency as in native language to use a new language

👉🏿Meditation is useful for multilingual- mindset.

👉🏿Multilingual mindset is not only about becoming global but also about being global which would make us tolerant and peace loving thus making this world a serene place all together.

👉🏿Maria mam strongly recommended constructivist approach and intentional practice for developing the multilingual mindset. Afterall language is nothing but lifelong learning process.

*Value of Multilingualism in day today life.*

1. It gives a sense of pride, self identity, and belonging.

2. It affects our performance, concentration and memory.

3. It is helpful for problem solving and mental well-being as well.

4. It gives tolerance for ambiguity.

5. It enhances our knowledge, skill and attitude which affects our carrer.

6. It is interculturally effective for appropriate behavior.

7. It gives us sense of respect, openness withholding judgement.

8. Multilingualism helps in becoming multicultural

9. Language helps us to integrate better and make us bond with others faster and better.Language is freedom.

10. Multilinguism is essential for worldwide communication.

*10 advantages to being bilingual-*

1. Master in multitasking.

2. Improves our mental well-being

3. Has superior listening skills

4. Makes sharp judgement calls

5.To Be better problem solvers.

6. Tune out noise easily

7. Focus better on Big crowds

8. Earn more money.

9. Have a better memory.

10. See things with a different perspectives.

Eventually, I would like to share a food of thought said by Noam Chomsky-

“A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It’s all embodied in a language.”

Friends , because of you once again I came across the webinars and enriched myself. Especially I am armed with the writing skill.Thanks for reading the webinars in short. Probably it will help you. Best of luck for your path to enhance your CPD.

*Kalpana Bansod *
*SARP*
*DIECPD, Chandrapur*.