Introduction: Why Multilingual Libraries Matter
Multilingual libraries are powerful tools for enhancing both student learning and socioemotional well-being. From fairy tales to science concepts, books in multiple languages give students invaluable opportunities to engage with texts in ways that support:
- Literacy and academic performance
- Identity affirmation and inclusion
- Cognitive and metalinguistic awareness
Research shows that reading stories helps children navigate emotions, understand social dynamics, and spark creativity. Literacy skills developed in a child’s first language can transfer to additional languages—boosting overall learning.
So, wouldn’t it be ideal if every school had a multilingual library?
Why It Matters: Research and Theory
Mother Tongue Education and Identity
Nishanthi (2020) outlines the many benefits of education in a child’s first language, including:
- Intellectual and academic growth
- Stronger personal and cultural identity
- Confidence, communication skills, and cultural pride
Since teachers can’t be fluent in every student’s home language, one key solution is access to mother-tongue materials, especially books.
How It Works: The Dual-Iceberg Theory
Cummins’ (2005) Dual-Iceberg Theory of Bilingualism explains that:
Skills learned in one language are stored in a shared cognitive system, so students can apply them across languages.
For example, a student who learns a concept like the water cycle in their home language can understand it more easily in the school language.
Multilingual libraries make this transfer possible.
Evidence in Action: The Power of Shared Reading
A study by Huennekens & Xu (2010) showed that:
- Parents reading books in children’s home language (Spanish)
- Teachers reading the same books in English
…led to improved English skills, longer utterances, and increased participation.
This confirms: First-language literacy supports second-language development.
More Than Language: Belonging and Empathy
When children see their home languages in school books, they feel seen and valued. This sense of belonging supports:
- Emotional development
- Empathy
- Social skills (Mar et al., 2010)
Conclusion: A Simple Step with a Big Impact
Access to multilingual books does more than support literacy. It empowers students to:
- Use their full linguistic repertoire
- Connect learning at home and school
- Build academic confidence
Every child deserves to feel their language belongs in the classroom. A multilingual library is a meaningful step in making that happen.
References:
Cummins, J. (2005). Teaching for cross-language transfer in dual language education: Possibilities and pitfalls. In TESOL Symposium on dual language education: Teaching and learning two languages in the EFL setting (pp. 1-18).
Huennekens, M. E., & Xu, Y. (2010). Effects of a cross-linguistic storybook intervention on the second language development of two preschool English language learners. Early Childhood Education Journal, 38, 19-26.
Mar, R. A., Tackett, J. L., & Moore, C. (2010). Exposure to media and theory-of-mind development in preschoolers. Cognitive development, 25(1), 69-78.
Nishanthi, R. (2020). Understanding of the importance of mother tongue learning. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 5(1), 77-80.