Assoc. Prof. Alice Chan awarded the MOE Science of Learning Grant

Associate Professor Alice Chan has been awarded the MOE Science of Learning Grant for her research project Pathways to early literacy in bilinguals’ non-dominant language.

Congratulations, Prof Chan!

---

Pathways to early literacy in bilinguals’ non-dominant language.

 

For young bilingual children in Singapore, learning two typologically distinctive languages simultaneously can present challenges, particularly against the backdrop of prevailing language shift diminishing their exposure to Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) in the home environment. The lack of early exposure to MTLs has far-reaching consequences for subsequent language and literacy development. In this project, we endeavour to understand the influence of prior exposure to Chinese oral language and writing system on word learning among English-Chinese bilinguals with varying language backgrounds and aptitude levels. In particular, through various neurophysiological and behavioural experiments, we will examine the relationship between prior Chinese language exposure and the efficacy of introducing the romanisation system to aid character reading. 

By addressing these language acquisition challenges, we investigate the Science of Learning in establishing early literacy in bilinguals’ non-dominant language, thereby laying the foundation for identifying the pathways through which young bilinguals with ranging exposure to Chinese can succeed in learning the language.