2017 — The Center for Language Science

Judith Kroll and Giuli Dussias contribute to the National Academy of Arts and Sciences

Last year, Giuli Dussias and Judith Kroll were asked to contribute a white paper on the benefits of multilingualism for the Commission on Language Learning at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. They shared their report when it appeared last spring, but the full report of the commission is now available and will be of interest to many of you: America’s Languages: Investing in Language Education for the 21st Century.

Click on the link below to access the paper:

https://www.amacad.org/content/Research/researchproject.aspx?d=21896

Penn State Psychology Professor Dr. Ping Li publishes article discussing how bilingual brains change in response to learning a second language

This article, by Penn State Psychology Professor Dr. Ping Li, discusses how bilingual brains change in response to learning a second language. Among the interesting findings are language-specific effects of bilingualism, how second language learning leads to a more integrated brain, and why language learning may delay cognitive aging. Check it out, and let us know what you think:https://npjscilearncommunity.nature.com/users/33701-ping-li/posts/15138-learning-a-second-language-remodels-our-brains

Volunteers needed for Language & Linguistics Day

We are excited to be hosting our inaugural Language and Linguistics Day event on Wednesday, April 19th in the HUB from 9:30am to 3pm. We have invited a select group of 10th and 11th grade English classes from several local high schools to join us for a day of games and workshops focusing on language structure, language acquisition, and linguistic diversity. Please find the internal schedule for the day below.

We could really use your help and are asking for volunteers to help throughout the day with various tasks. The tasks include directing attendees to the event space, helping with registration and introductory session, escorting attendees to/from breakout sessions, help within breakout sessions, helping with concluding session, dismissal and clean up. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and a $10 HUB meal card towards lunch that day!

If you’re interested in volunteering and representing the CLS at this upcoming event, please contact Katy VanAmburg no later than Friday, March 31st. Please indicate the hours you would be available to help out as well as your t-shirt size. Feel free to contact me at any time should you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Time	Activity	Location	Volunteers Needed
9:45 AM	Students arrive	Drop-off at HUB; buses park at Eisenhower	Greeter at doors of HUB Guide in HUB pointing way to 129
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM	Introductory Session - Registration - Video playing in background - Frances' opening remarks - Students sort into groups for first breakout session	129AB (HUB)	6 volunteers (plus Katy) at registration table
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM	Change rooms		6 volunteers (2 per group) to shepherd groups to rooms
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM	Breakout Session 1	129C; 232A; 232B (HUB)	Volunteers stay in room during breakout sessions
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM	Change rooms		Volunteers shepherd groups back to 129AB, then to next breakout session
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM	Breakout Session 2	129C; 232A; 232B (HUB)	Volunteers stay in room during breakout sessions
12:20 PM – 12:30 PM	Change rooms		Volunteers shepherd groups back to 129AB
12:30 PM – 1:10 PM	Lunch	HUB food court	Teachers distribute meal cards
1:10 PM – 1:20 PM	Gather for concluding session - Video playing in background		Teachers responsible for getting students back to room 129AB
1:20 PM – 2:30 PM	Concluding Session - Team quiz game - Frances' concluding remarks / thank-you's - Prizes	129AB (HUB)	6 volunteers (1 per class) to distribute and collect puzzles
2:45 PM	Buses depart	In front of HUB	A couple volunteers to escort school groups back to front doors of HUB

Spring/Summer 2017 Bilingualism Matters Newsletter out now!

We are delighted to announce the release of our Bilingualism Matters Spring/Summer 2017 Newsletter. This issue, edited by Annie Beatty and Angela Grant, focuses on cognates.

We're excited to share useful and informative research summaries by graduate students Kinsey Bice, Carla Fernandez, Dora LaCasse, and Lara Schwarz, and to highlight professor Janet van Hell's work as our featured partner. You'll also find out about some of our outreach work this year, as well as what we have planned for the summer.

The issue can be found on our website. Please share widely, and feel free to contact Frances Blanchette if you'd like copies to distribute. We look forward to your feedback, and we hope to see you at our upcoming events!