The Cambridge Handbook of Childhood Multilingualism

Childhood multilingualism is becoming a norm, and this handbook provides in-depth research on the uniqueness of early multilingual development in children growing up with more than two languages in contact. It explores the complexity and dynamics of early multilingualism from various perspectives, showcasing the challenges and richness of linguistic and cognitive development in these children.

Format: Hardback
Length: 750 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Childhood multilingualism has emerged as the prevailing norm rather than a rare exception in today's world. This groundbreaking handbook serves as the first comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge research on the distinctive nature of early multilingual development in children exposed to multiple languages in their daily lives. It delves deep into the intricate complexities and dynamic aspects of early multilingualism, offering in-depth insights from esteemed scholars who have studied diverse languages across different continents. The book is organized into six thematic chapters, each addressing the trajectory, environmental factors, and conditions that shape the initial and early stages of multilingual children's language acquisition. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the chapters shed light on the multifaceted challenges and rewards of multilingual education and child-rearing, while also highlighting the remarkable linguistic and cognitive growth experienced by these children from infancy to early schooling. This essential resource is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of multilingualism, offering a unique perspective through the lens of children.

Weight: 1314g
Dimension: 176 x 253 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108484015