Bilingualism Matters

Problem

Billions of people around the world are bilingual, yet bilingualism remains largely misunderstood and much of the existing research is inaccessible. Research shows that speaking a second language in childhood improves school performance and thinking skills, as well as helping to maintain mental agility in later life. And learning in adulthood also has many positive cognitive effects. However there was a significant lack of research and resources that were accessible outside of academia.

Solution

Bilingualism Matters is a social enterprise supporting a membership community of organisations and individuals who share the commitment to make the research-based evidence on multilingualism and language learning available and accessible to families, communities, and professionals in education, health or policy.

BM Members are international language experts engaging the public with the latest research about bilingualism and language learning. They are part of an international network of research centres and

• engage in collaborative projects to carry out research, or to explore how best to apply research findings in the real world
• provide advice for families, individuals, and professionals from health, education, and policy who are multilingual or work with multilingual communities
• offer tailored information sessions, workshops, and training

BM members all operate slightly differently in order to accommodate the specific needs and languages of their local communities

Timeline of Venture

• Initial project established in 2008
• Research and Information Centre established 2014
• Spin out incorporated August 2021

Sustainable Development Goals addressed

www.bilingualism-matters.org Edinburgh Innovations | Bilingualism Matters