BILINGUALISM and INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)

Could you say what relationship there is between bilingualism and information and communication technologies (ICT)? Bilingualism can be defined as the ability of someone to master two or more languages, having the same linguistic level in both or in all that she is learning.

If you are curious to know more about what bilingualism is and how ICT facilitates the learning of several languages ​​at the same time, keep reading this article by a PROFESSOR in which we reveal it.

Bilingualism is a concept closely related to learning a foreign language or a second language, but its meaning is not easy to explain. Definitions of bilingualism have evolved linguistically and sociologically, but all agree that bilingualism is the ability of a person to master two or more languages, having the same linguistic level in both. This ability begins to develop more effectively at an early age, although, according to previous research, this is not always the case, and it all depends on how the language is being learned.

The general belief is that “the smaller the better”. As previous studies indicate, the child is in more receptive linguistic conditions than the adult, so learning is linked to age. If we focus on the classroom, differences can be observed between early and adult language learning. Adults find (or think they find) a greater difficulty when it comes to learning a language. One of the main objectives of the teacher is to dismantle this belief. This can be done through strategies to motivate students through appropriate methodologies and learning styles to meet their needs.

On the other hand, there are theories about false myths of bilingualism. One of them, for example, points out that learning two or more languages ​​at the same time can confuse the two linguistic codes. Other negative opinions indicate that if a child begins to learn a foreign language at the same longer than his mother tongue, her ability in the latter will gradually be affected negative. Finally, we find maternal and paternal attitudes, which think that boys and girls, at those ages, have to play and later, study.

Precisely, the role of ICT, In addition to helping to dismantle certain myths such as the previous ones about bilingualism, it has also contributed to the learning and teaching of languages ​​and has facilitated the work of teachers when it comes to design didactic schedules, as well as the implementation of new methodologies. This phenomenon is what we call "Digital pedagogy" which implies rethinking the discipline of pedagogy in an era of digital resources, opportunities and networks. In that of bilingualism, tablets, computers, interactive digital books, the digital whiteboard or the Internet take a more relevant role and special, by offering us the possibility of working with sophisticated and abundant resources, in addition to using web 2.0 applications that allow us to interact, the mutual correction, a cooperative work environment and collaborative work, which leads to conscious development of language and improvement in the use of language.

The use of the Internet, as well as technological elements is generally recognized as a beneficial means in the bilingual classroom and in the foreign language learning. By using ICT in the bilingual classroom not only do we contribute to a better teaching practice, making it more motivating, interactive and adapted to preferences cognitive skills of the students, but also allow a more motivating and meaningful learning on the part of the student body.

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Dunia Martínez Fortuny - Professor of the University Master's Degree in Bilingual Education at VIU

Javier Cañas Villarreal - Professor of the Master's Degree in Bilingual Education at VIU