In the focus of the BEaST-study were developmental conditions of children who grow up with more than one language. Bilingual children have advantage to be confronted with two languages from early on and, thus, possibilities to acquire both in everyday life. Advantages of bilingual children in other developmental domains, such as the ability to self-regulate (executive functions) or their comprehension of mental states and processes (Theory of Mind), have also been reported. However, children who grow up bilingually have – under certain conditions – difficulties in language development and, later on, with learning at school.

Against this background, the BEaST-study investigated linguistic and cognitive abilities as well as challenges of children who grow up multilingually. Amongst others, questions on the meaning of linguistic stimulation as well as on skills and abilities of bilingual children for their language and cognitive development have been studied.

Please contact Dr. Susanne Ebert for further information.