Information on multilingualism

We have developed materials which highlight the benefits of multilingualism for everyone and address common prejudices against multilingualism and second language learning. We also make available bilingual fact sheets for parents and advice on further reading.

International Mother Language Day video

For International Mother Language Day 2019, CO.AS.IT., the Italian Assistance Association in Melbourne, has produced a video featuring RUMACCC Director Professor John Hajek. In this video, he talks about the maintenance of immigrant languages, the importance of these languages for one's identity and the contributions multilingualism and multiculturalism to Australian society.

International Mother Language Day 2019

Information brochures

RUMACCC has developed three brochures which highlight the benefits of multilingualism and LOTEs (Languages other than English) for everyone and address common prejudices against multilingualism and second language learning.

Multilingualism and Second Language Acquisition

Rebuts some common myths about language learning and multilingualism including the "crowded curriculum", community languages as undermining literacy in English, and "unfair competition" coming from students with a background in a community language.

Download brochure (165kb pdf)

Diversity in Language Programs

Describes some of the various language backgrounds that students are likely to have and explains how this diversity helps language learners reach their full potential.

Download brochure (150kb pdf)

More Languages, More Benefits

Outlines the benefits of learning a third language, arguing that speaking two languages makes it easier to learn a third language and that, in turn, learning a third language boosts bilingual skills.

Download brochure (150kb pdf)

Bilingual fact sheets

Brimbank Libraries have also developed bilingual fact sheets for parents Speaking two languages helps your child to learn.

They are available for download in Arabic/English(405kb pdf), Chin/English (425kb pdf), Mandarin/English (805kb pdf) and Vietnamese/English (550kb pdf).

Further information and advice

You may be interested in the following articles by Dr Susanne Döpke on:

Raising children in more than one language: Strategies in the family (320kb pdf)
(Re-)Introducing the home language to the older child (360kb pdf)
Motivating the child to talk (250kb pdf)
Reading and writing (280kb pdf)
Language development in bilingual children (320kb pdf)

We have also compiled a leaflet containing Practical advice on developing early biliteracy (680kb pdf) and a list of further readings and resources Raising children in more than one language: useful resources (670kb pdf).