Bilingualism Matters and the RSA will be hosting an evening event at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 10th November, 2010.  Sponsored by Malcolm Chisholm MSP, this event will explore the success of the Bilingualism Matters Project to date, and the implications of bilingualism and multilingualism for Scottish businesses in the globalised economy.

Scotland is a multilingual country, with at least 106 languages being spoken amongst a population of over 5 million.  This linguistic diversity offers Scotland a wide range of benefits in terms of culture, economics and education, yet bilingualism is still often viewed with scepticism, reflected in the decisions which have been made in regards to the provision of additional languages in schools.

Bilingualism Matters is a project headed by Professor Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, and brings together researchers from the University who specialise in language development.  Operating at the forefront of this growing area of study, the project works across Scotland and Europe to disseminate information about the facts and benefits of bilingualism, among families, schools and policy makers.

Within the success that has already been achieved in terms of community involvement and awareness raising, Bilingualism Matters is keen to explore the benefits of bilingualism with the Scottish business community, and to identify ways in which it can work with businesses and decision makers.  This event will explore the success of the project to date; the research which is demonstrating the success and benefits of giving people bilingual opportunities; and the risks and implications for Scottish businesses.

The event is being co-hosted with the RSA.  For over 250 years, the RSA has been a cradle of Enlightenment thinking and a multidisciplinary, non-partisan force for social progress.  Combining an extensive high profile lecture series; pioneering research and projects team; and a Fellowship of 27,500 individuals worldwide, it continues to challenge society with new ways of thinking and living, focussed recently through the launch of the 21st Century Enlightenment.

This event is free and a buffet dinner will be provided.

The event will include:

18.00     Arrival and Registration, Networking and Catering

18.30     Malcolm Chisholm MSP  - Introduction and Political Context

18.40     Professor Antonella Sorace - Bilingualism Matters!

19.20     Speaker TBC - The Implications of Bilingualism for Scottish Businesses

19.40     Q&A

20.00     Networking and Finish