16/10/2011

Written by : Isabelle Jouinot

MINUTES OF MULTILINGUAL CAFE PRESENTATION TO PARENTS

Present: Isabelle ONeill, Isabelle Jouinot, Berengere Bouzou, Joanna ODowd, Suzanne OShea, Vera Pravdova, Rosarie, Kasia Date: Thursday 13 October 2011 from 20.15 to 22.00 pm Location: UCC Western Gateway Building, room G18 Object: Presentation of Multilingual Cafe to Parents

1. Background information on Multilingualism According to the European Observatory for Plurilingualism, knowing more than one language has become a requirement for recruitment, and priority is given to languages over the level of qualifications. English may not always stay the world main communication language and it is now crucial to know at least one other language. All languages and cultures, whether well spread or minor, should be celebrated and cultivated for the benefit of the future generations. Your child will also benefit from being bilingual/ multilingual, as he/she will be able to communicate with the family back home, and research has shown that bilingualism/ multilingualism can enhance other cognitive abilities (e.g. mathematics). Early language learning is important, even though it is never too late to learn a new language. Most importantly, young childrens emotional well-being should be respected while learning other languages, and they should have fun and games with languages! 2. History and definition of Multilingual Cafe Dr Isabelle Barth-O'Neill is the founder of Multilingual Cafe. She is a trained and experienced teacher and linguist. She has worked extensively on the acquisition of languages, mainly foreign languages. Her training also includes the didactics of languages, the politics of languages. She has a long experience in helping families use two or more languages at home. She is researching on languages teaching. She is also active with the European Observatory on Plurilingualism. She can speak 5 languages and has created sites dedicated to the learning of languages. After Isabelle ONeill decided to split from the Bilingual Forum Ireland Association because it was not active enough for the promotion of multilingualism, she created a new group or centre called Multilingual Caf. Multilingual Caf is a centre for training on bilingualism, plurilingualism and multiculturalism.

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16/10/2011 Written by : Isabelle Jouinot Isabelle ONeill is helped by Isabelle Jouinot, the Group Coordinator. Isabelle Jouinot studied Linguistics in German and English and is also trained in early years education. 3. Goals of Multilingual Caf The centre aims at promoting: a. b. c. d. Bilingual education Pluriligualism Identity of the Bilingual Person Intercultural education

4. Tools of Multilingual Caf - Children: o Monthly Multilingual Breakfasts for parents and children (also open to parents without their children). Suzanne proposes that we contact Lisa Petersheim who runs a multilingual coffee morning on Mondays in The Haven Caf. o Picnics o Activities with children (ex. fairy tale, songs in different languages, Christmas, International Day). Kasia offers to give us the contact of her health nurse Nicola who could give us access to a large meeting space in Togher. - Parents/ Health/Education Professionals: o Monthly Evening Meetings for parents, also open to health/education professionals. o If required by a parent, Isabelle ONeill can come in person to meet health/education professionals to solve difficulties linked to bi/plurilingualism. o Email correspondence and research to answer parents or professionals specific questions concerning the multilingual child, whatever language the child speaks. For any query, contact Isabelle ONeill: multilingualcafe@gmail.com o Training sessions on various topics (vocabulary, reading, dyslexia, multilingual teenagers) and up-to-date best practice to promote the childs multilingualism and multiculturalism. o Conferences o Round-tables o Promotion of and advice about bilingualism to Educators/Health professionals 5. Communication Tools Website: http://multi-tongues-cafe.jimdo.com/ Facebook: Type Multilingual Caf in the Facebook search tool. Blog: http://multilingualcafe.blogspot.com/ Email: o For queries about multilingualism/multiculturalism: multilingualcafe@gmail.com o For practical information: info.multilingualcafe@gmail.com

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16/10/2011 Written by : Isabelle Jouinot 6. Next meetings for your diary - Multilingual Breakfasts every month. The next Multilingual Breakfast will take place on Monday 24th of October from 10.00 to 12.00 am in the Haven Caf, Batchelors Quay, Cork. - Next evening meeting with parents: date and venue to be communicated soon.

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