1732625394-(SV) Bilingual Brain B2.pdf.pptx

General English Level B2

MultilingualBrain

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General English

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WARM UP:

7. ________________________ 8. ________________________ 9. _______________________

4. ________________________ 5. ________________________ 6. _______________________

1. ________________________ 2. ________________________ 3. _______________________

1. What motivated you to start learning a new language? 2. How do you incorporate language learning into your daily routine? 3. Do you believe it is better to learn a language earlier or later in life?

Task 2: Discuss the following lead-in questions.

Identify the country from its flag and name its native language.

Task 1:

BILINGUAL BRAIN Watch the video “Why Being Bilingual Is Good For Your Brain” by BBC Ideas.

General English

a. A set of laws that all people in a culture must follow. b. An understanding of the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular culture.

cultural insights.

a. Positive effects on the brain, e.g. better memory and problem-solving skills. b. Physical health improvements, like stronger muscles or better digestion.

cognitive benefits.

a. Connections of nerve cells in the brain that help process information. b. A type of internet service used to connect computers in different countries

neural networks.

a. A person who cannot understand any language other than their own. b. A person who speaks two languages fluently.

1. bilingual.

Task 1: Choose the correct definition for each of the words listed (1-8).

a. A person who speaks only one language. b. A person who can fluently speak and write three or more languages.

2. monolingual.

a. A clever way of understanding something quickly and correctly. b. A wrong or incorrect understanding or belief about something.

5. misconception.

a. To remove valuable parts from something, making it worse. b. To improve the quality of something or make it more valuable.

to enrich.

a. A type of vision problem that affects how colors are seen. b. The way someone sees, understands, or interprets things.

perception.

8.

7.

6.

4.

3.

VIDEO: VOCABULARY

Task 1: Watch the video, then choose the correct answer to the questions.

VIDEO: COMPREHENSION

It delays dementia

It confuses and holds people back

It improves problem-solving skills

It confuses and holds people back

1. What was the initial misconception about being bilingual?

FILL IN THE BLANKS

Improved concentration and memory

Reduced creativity

Improved concentration and memory

Delayed stroke recovery

2. According to the video, what are some of the cognitive benefits of being bilingual?

communication

pronounce

sing

Task 1: Watch the video, then choose the correct answer to the questions.

VIDEO: COMPREHENSION

They develop dementia earlier

They develop dementia later

They develop dementia at the same age as monolinguals

They develop dementia later

In 2007, what did Ellen Bialystok's study reveal about bilingual people and dementia?

FILL IN THE BLANKS

Thinking abilities that protect against losses due to ageing and disease

A fitness routine for the brain.

Thinking abilities that protect against losses due to ageing and disease

A way to improve language skills.

4. What is cognitive reserve, as mentioned in the video?

communication

pronounce

sing

General English

a. The ability to see other people's perspectives. b. Reduced emotional reaction. c. Increased languageconfusion.

7. According to the video, what is one lesser-known behavioural effect of bilingualism?

a. First language is learned at school, second language at home. b. First language is used in informal settings, second language informal settings. c. First language enhances creativity, while the second language improves problem-solving.

8. Why do people tend to react more emotionally in their first language and more rationally in their second language, as explained in the video?

a. Their brains were less connected. b. Their brains were equally connected to those of monolinguals. c. Their brains had the strongest connectivity in the network.

6. What did the 2023 study at Great Ormond Street discover about the brain connectivity of early bilingual children at rest?

a. It's easier to build new neural networks. b. It's more challenging, so the benefits are greater. c. It's less challenging, so the benefits are greater.

5. Why does learning a new language later in life have greater benefits?

Task 1: Complete the quotes from the video by choosing the correct word.

VIDEO: QUOTES

in turn

In the bilingual brain, all our languages are active at the same time. It improves our concentration, problem solving, memory, and_______ our creativity.

back

It used to be thought that being bilingual was a bad thing - that it would confuse or hold people ________, especially children. It turns out, we couldn't have been more wrong.

in turning

down

on

in turn

in turns

back

through

Cognitive reserve is the idea that people develop a reserve of thinking abilities, and this protects them against losses that can occur _______ageing and disease.

develop

People who speak more than one language ________ dementia four to four-and-a-half years later than those who don't. It was a powerful confirmation of the idea of cognitive reserve.

thorough

developed

developing

through

in through

develop

perspectives

One lesser-known behavioural effect of bilingualism in both children and adults is the ability to see other people's __________ or to understand that it is possible to have different points of view.

affects

Language is particularly broad and complex. It __________ ideas and concepts, perception, and different sounds. The more complex a certain skill is, the more likely it is to have a positive effect on cognitive reserve.

feelings

effects

perspectives

thoughts

affects

doors

Learning new languages can open _________ to new cultural experiences, life opportunities, different people, different communities, and different ways of seeing the world.

their

People tend to react more emotionally in ________ first language and more rationally, in a more abstract way, in their second.

doors

minds

there

theyré

minds

doors

windows

windows

their

General English

12. How has language learning influenced your perception of the world and your ability to connect with people from diverse linguistic backgrounds?

11. Do you have any specific language learning goals, such as achieving fluency or mastering a particular accent?

10. How has language learning enriched your travel experiences or interactions with people from different backgrounds?

9. How do you handle language anxiety or fear of making mistakes when speaking with native speakers or in a foreign language environment?

8. Have you ever faced challenges in your language learning journey? How did you overcome them?

7.How can being bilingual provide access to new cultural experiences and life opportunities?

6. Due to the health benefits mentioned in the video, do you think your country could incorporate language learning into disease prevention schemes? I.e. A dementia prevention scheme.

5. Due to the societal benefits mentioned in the video, do you think schools should put more focus on teaching languages?

4. What are some of the societal benefits of learning new languages?

Do you agree that people tend to react emotionally in their first language and more rationally in their second language, as explained in the video?

2. How can bilingualism affect people's ability to understand different perspectives?

1. Do you believe that being bilingual or multilingual has had a positive impact on your cognitive abilities? If so, in what ways?

Answer using full sentences, and give detailed answers. Have fun!

Task: Discuss the following video and topic-based questions.

VIDEO AND TOPIC: DISCUSSION

General English

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Study the arguments. Decide if you agree or disagree with each person, explaining why. Adapt the language from the table to use in your argument. Have fun!

Rory: “Some languages are inherently more difficult to learn than others..”

Amy: “Schools should prioritise practical conversational skills over formal grammar rules.”

Jude: “Achieving fluency in a foreign language is an unrealistic goal for adults.”

Harry: “Bilingual individuals may struggle to find a sense of identity and belonging in both of their language communities.”

John: “In 100 years, all humans will speak the same language due to globalisation.”

So, in conclusion… To summarise.. Overall, it is clear that… As a result.. The bottom line is...

Summarise

I don’t agree with you about… I can’t accept your view that… I have a different opinion… I’m not sure if… I’m not convinced that…

Express disagreement

There are two sides to this point... On the one hand…,on the other hand… An argument for / against is… Some people think that…,others say that… The advantages / disadvantages are...

Express pro’s and con’s

It seems to me that… I feel that… I’m absolutely convinced that… In my opinion,… I believe / suppose / feel (that)…

Express an opinion

LET’S DEBATE

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I wanted to argue, but I ___________________ to avoid escalating the situation.

d. Despite her___________________,her advice is usually helpful and honest.

a. His silence during the meeting___________________about how he feels

Task 2: Complete the sentences using the idioms from task 1. Check the tense.

Speaks volumes

To put words in one’s mouth

4. What kind of behavior speaks volumes about a person's true character?

1. Do you know anyone with a sharp tongue? How do you handle them?

Task3: Practice using the idioms by answering the questions.

Don’t ___________________; I never said I disagreed with the plan.

___________________: To falsely claim someone said something.

3. Why might someone bite their tongue during a disagreement?

2. Has anyone ever put words in your mouth? How did you feel?

___________________: To stop yourself from speaking.

___________________: To convey a lot without words.

Task 1: Match the idioms from the box to their definitions.

___________________: To speak critically or harshly.

To bite one’s tongue

A sharp tongue

4.

3.

2.

1.

b.

c.

GRAMMAR: LANGUAGE-RELATED IDIOMS

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Let’s finish the lesson with a fun speaking game! Read each question, decide what you would do, and then provide a detailed explanation, weighing the pros and cons.

vocabulary with a noticeable accent?

5. Would you rather have a perfect accent but limited vocabulary, or an extensive

1. Would you rather be able to speak 20 languages fluently, or be able to speak to animals?

4. Would you rather immerse yourself in a foreign country and learn a language through daily life experiences, or learn the language through intensive classroom study?

2. Would you rather be perfectly fluent in two languages or know a little bit of 10 different languages?

committed, or by yourself with no social pressure?

6. Would you rather learn a language with a group of friends who are equally

3. Would you rather have the ability to instantly switch between any two languages or understand all languages but only speak one?

HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING…

General English

10

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a. How can bilingualism improve cognitive function? b. How does bilingualism affect academic and professional success? c. Do you agree that bilingualism promotes diversity and inclusion? Why? d. How can bilingualism increase a person’s personal satisfaction? e. Summarise the key things you learned in the text, and in the lesson.

Task 2: On a separate piece of paper, write detailed answers to the following questions.

Bilingualism offers a multitude of cognitive, social, and personal benefits. Bilingual individuals often exhibit improved cognitive functions. Studies have shown that they have better problem-solving skills, creativity, and enhanced multitasking abilities. The constant need to switch between languages stimulates the brain, leading to cognitive flexibility. Bilingualism can positively impact academic achievement. Bilingual students tend to excel in exams, as they have strong comprehension and analytical thinking skills. In an increasingly globalized world, being bilingual is a valuable asset in the job market. Employers often seek bilingual candidates, as they can communicate with a broader range of clients and customers. Bilingualism can lead to higher-paying job opportunities and career advancement. Bilingual individuals have a deeper understanding of language and its nuances.This not only makes them more effective communicators but also fosters empathy and cultural sensitivity. They can connect with people from different backgrounds more easily, promoting inclusivity and diversity. Research suggests that bilingualism may contribute to cognitive reserve,potentially delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer's. The constant mental exercise required to manage multiple languages appears to provide protective benefits to the brain. Learning a new language often involves delving into the culture and history of the speakers. Bilingual individuals have the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives, fostering an appreciation for different customs and traditions. The ability to communicate in multiple languages opens doors to new experiences and relationships. Bilingualism can bring personal satisfaction, allowing individuals to connect with their heritage, travel with ease, and form deeper connections with people.

HOMEWORK BILINGUALISM: THE BENEFITS

Goodbye! See you next time!

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