New Ideas I Learned at the Bilingualism Matters Symposium (That Every Parent Should Know)
This year's Bilingualism Matters Symposium was full of eye-opening data, practical takeaways, and urgent reminders for families raising bilingual children!
Each year, researchers gather to share cutting-edge insights on how children learn and use multiple languages. This year's Bilingualism Matters Symposium was full of eye-opening data, practical takeaways, and urgent reminders for families raising bilingual children. If you’re navigating this path as a parent, here’s what you need to know.
Your Brain on Bilingualism
Dr. Viorica Marian (Northwestern University)
Key message: Bilinguals’ languages are always “on!”
Using neuroimaging and eye-tracking, Dr. Marian has done incredible work in showing that bilingual brains activate both languages at once, even when we think we’re only using one. This interaction affects decision-making, memory, and creativity.
Parent takeaway: If you notice your child code-mixing, code-switching, or that one languages influences another, it isn't a flaw! It's a sign of deep, flexible mental processing.
Dialogic Reading Matters—But Is Rare
Dr. Claudine Kirsch (University of Luxembourg)
Key message: “Dialogic reading” or reading with children, not just to them, can help build multilingual development—but is underused in daycares.
In Luxembourg's multilingual daycares, shared reading happens, but deeper conversations during reading (dialogic reading) are rare. Educators often default to institutional languages, while parents stick to home languages. Children experience very different literacy environments across home and care settings.
Parent takeaway: Ask open-ended questions while reading. Use your home language. Let your child lead. Your interaction builds both language skills and confidence.
Heritage Languages Fade Fast (but hope is not lost!)
Dr. Erika Hoff (Florida Atlantic University)
Key message: Heritage language proficiency often declines because home exposure drops as kids grow.
In a 10-year study of Spanish-English bilingual children, Hoff found that even when kids are raised bilingual, the majority language (English) takes over—not because the heritage language isn't strong at first, but because it slowly loses support. Expressive vocabulary in the heritage language weakens unless there’s consistent, active use.
Parent takeaway: It’s not about how much you speak now—it’s about sustaining home language use across time. Especially once school starts.
Play in the Home Language Builds Social Skills
Anne-Mieke Thieme (University of Amsterdam)
Key message: Kids who are allowed to use their home language during play have richer interactions and more complex play.
In Dutch daycare settings, children who played using their home language showed more pretend play and better cooperation. Yet in 8 out of 12 centers, home language use was discouraged.
Parent takeaway: Let kids speak their home language when playing with siblings or peers. It strengthens communication, problem-solving, and creativity.
Are Parental Reports Reliable? Sometimes.
Dr. Magdalena Łuniewska and team (University of Warsaw)
Key message: Parents are good at estimating language skills in young kids—but less accurate as vocabularies grow.
Parents of children with larger vocabularies tend to over- or under-estimate which words their kids actually know. This matters for assessments and therapy planning.
Parent takeaway: For school-age kids, complement self-reporting with outside input (from teachers or assessments).
Language Confidence and Teen Identity
Mari-Liis Korkus (University of Tartu)
Key message: Teens often underestimate their heritage language skills—even if they’re quite proficient.
In interviews with Swedish-Estonian bilingual teens, most felt insecure about their Estonian. Their view of what counts as “good” Estonian was influenced by school exposure and adult feedback, not just ability.
Parent takeaway: Praise your child's heritage language skills. Give them opportunities to use it with peers, not just family. Confidence is part of competence.
The Bilingual Brain Might Just Age Differently
Dr. Jubin Abutalebi (University Vita Salute San Raffaele)
Key message: Bilingualism likely affects the brain's aging process.
Recent neuroscientific studies show that bilinguals may enjoy slower cognitive decline and different aging trajectories than monolinguals—even when test scores don’t show it. His research found that the regular use of two languages appears to strengthen brain regions associated with executive control and attention. This reinforcement leads to increased densities of gray and white matter, which may contribute to delaying dementia onset!
Parent takeaway: Teaching your child multiple languages really is a a lifelong investment!
Final Thoughts: What It All Means for Parents
Whether you’re raising a trilingual threenager or just starting your bilingual baby journey, here’s the bottom line:
Reading and play in the home language are powerful tools.
Consistency across time matters!
Parent reports are useful, but not perfect—especially for older kids.
While cognitive research is exciting, the biggest focus to keep with your bilingual child is your relationship to each other and the target language.
I’ll be unpacking some of these insights in upcoming Instagram Reels (@drtaylorbenyahia) and will share a downloadable version of this recap soon. If you'd like to receive it directly or book a 1:1 consultation for your family, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter or book here.
💬 Questions or thoughts? Comment below or message me. I’d love to hear what resonates with your family’s language journey.
Thank you for the insider’s insights of BMS !