Life as a Bilingual
Knowing and Using Two or More Languages

A book on those who know and use two or more languages: Who are they? How do they do it?

François Grosjean (Author)

9781108838641, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 June 2021

352 pages, 5 b/w illus.
23.6 x 15.7 x 2.4 cm, 0.63 kg

'… this collection of blog posts and interviews integrates theory and practice in an applicable manner that is fitting for students, teachers, professors, researchers, and families or caregivers. Extensive evidence from research-based findings comingles with anecdotal and personal narratives in a way so that any reader can serve as an advocate and better inform those who persist and maintain negative views towards bilingualism.' Kai Greene, In Dialogue/En Diálogo

About half the world's population knows and uses two or more languages in everyday life, and an increasing number of parents are raising their children bilingual. This makes a resource on what it means to become and be bilingual all the more necessary. This book brings together a selection of posts from the author's highly successful Psychology Today blog, grouped by topic into 15 chapters. The topics covered include, among others, what it means to be bilingual, the extent of bilingualism, how someone becomes bilingual, how bilingualism is fostered in the family, the bilingual mind and brain, and bilingualism across the lifespan. It also includes the author's lively interviews with other experts, delving into their research and their own experience as bilinguals. Written in a highly engaging, readable style, this book is suitable for anyone who wants to better understand those who live with two or more languages.

1. Describing Bilinguals
2. The Extent of Bilingualism
3. Using Two or More Languages
4. Across the Lifespan
5. Becoming Bilingual
6. Bilingualism in the Family
7. Children with Additional Needs
8. Second Language Learning
9. Biculturalism and Personality
10. When the Heart Speaks
11. Language Processing
12. The Bilingual Mind
13. The Bilingual Brain
14. Special Bilinguals
15. Reminiscing
Index.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Bilingualism & multilingualism [CFDM], Language acquisition [CFDC]