Foreign Subtitles Improve Speech Perception

ScienceDaily (2009-11-11) -- You can improve your second-language listening ability by watching the movie with subtitles -- as long as these subtitles are in the same language as the film. Subtitles in one's native language, the default in some European countries, may actually be counter-productive to learning to understand foreign speech, according to a new study.

Non-native Kindergarteners Learn Vocabulary Faster Than Native English-speakers WIth The Right Lessons

ScienceDaily (2007-04-27) -- Analyzing rates of target word acquisition and overall vocabulary development, this study finds that students learning English as a second language pick up general vocabulary more quickly and target vocabulary words at the same rate as native English-speaking kindergarteners with oral instruction, such as storytime.

Bilinguals Are Unable To 'Turn Off' A Language Completely, Study Shows

ScienceDaily (2009-08-19) -- With a vast majority of the world speaking more than one language, it is no wonder that psychologists are interested in its effect on cognitive functioning. For instance, how does the human brain switch between languages? Are we able to seamlessly activate one language and disregard knowledge of other languages completely?

Second language learners recall native language when reading, brain research suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-06-03) -- Adults fluent in English whose first language is Chinese retrieve their native language when reading in English, according to new research. The study suggests that people who learn a second language in adolescence or later recall the sounds of words from their native language.

Children Can Learn A Second Language In Preschool, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (2009-09-10) -- An international research project which looks at bilingual education shows that children can learn a second language as early as preschool.