The Power of Bilingual Education: A Dialogue with Ellen Bialystok, Fabrice Jaumont, and Hélène Leone

We are thrilled to share a recent thought-provoking discussion involving two of CALEC’s distinguished authors, Ellen Bialystok and Fabrice Jaumont, and our new partner, the Bilingual Canadian School of Paris, represented by its founder Dr. Hélène Leone. This engaging conversation, organized during the Festival du Livre of Paris, aligns with CALEC’s mission of promoting language and cultural excellence, while fostering global understanding and inclusiveness. The event took place in the magnificent Mairie of the 16th arrondissement in Paris.

Ellen Bialystok, a renowned Canadian psychology professor and Distinguished Research Professor at York University in Toronto, is also an Associate Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. She has authored the insightful book “Enfants bilingues: familles, éducation et développement,” which delves into the cognitive, social, and emotional effects of learning and using foreign languages throughout life, as well as the benefits and challenges of bilingual education in the context of globalization and cultural diversity. Hélène Léone is a dedicated educator with an unwavering commitment to bilingual education and academic excellence. Fabrice Jaumont is an author, researcher, and education advisor, as well as CALEC’s founder.

During this enlightening conversation, the three panelists delved into various aspects of bilingualism and education. The discussion highlighted the cognitive, social, and emotional advantages of learning foreign languages throughout life, emphasizing how bilingualism fosters cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and empathy. The panelists underscored the power of bilingual education in nurturing cognitive development, enriching family life, and bridging cultural gaps.

The speakers also addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by bilingual education in the context of globalization and cultural diversity. While bilingual education faces obstacles such as limited resources, teacher training, and cultural resistance, it offers a unique opportunity to promote global understanding, inclusiveness, and cultural exchange. Supporting bilingual education in educational systems and communities involves advocating for policy changes, providing resources and support to educators and families, and raising awareness of the benefits of bilingualism. The conversation emphasized the crucial role of ongoing research, collaboration between researchers and educators, and professional development opportunities for teachers in advancing the field of bilingual education.

Join us at CALEC in celebrating our authors and partners, as we continue to champion language and cultural excellence in a diverse and interconnected world. Support us by ordering our books.

Suggested readings from our catalog:

Ellen Bialystok’s Bilingual Children: Family, Education, Development. Also available in French.
Fabrice Jaumont’s Conversations on Bilingualism. Also available in French, and soon in Spanish and Arabic.
And visit the Canadian Bilingual School of Paris founded by Helene Leone.