Impact of Second Language Study on  First Language Proficiency

In 2009 The Confucius Institute in Edmonton sponsored a study designed to examine impact of student exposure to sustained second language instruction on first language.

There are many sincerely held beliefs as to the positive or negative effect of early second language training when it comes to the impact on first language. The Confucius Institute in Edmonton, working with its host organization Edmonton Public Schools, examined and analysed accumulated data acquired over the past fifteen years.

Dr. John Macnab, of Research Support Services of Edmonton Public Schools, was the research lead in this project. The findings are profound and serve to underscore the positive impact of early and sustained second language instruction in strengthening first language acquisition.

Please find below a PowerPoint presentation on the aforementioned research, as well as the research document: