I recently had the absolute pleasure of participating in the Sharjah Children’s Book Festival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The experience was nothing short of inspiring, enlightening, and thought-provoking.
The festival’s overarching theme was “Train Your Brain,” an apt mantra for an event dedicated to the exploration and celebration of literature, language, and learning. As an invited speaker, I was given the opportunity to delve into a topic that is close to my heart – trilingualism and its impact on cognitive development.
In an increasingly globalized world, the importance of multilingualism cannot be overstated. The UAE, already a bilingual society with Arabic and English, is a prime example of the potential benefits that can be reaped from a multi-language learning environment. It was therefore thrilling to witness firsthand the country’s interest in not just bilingualism, but trilingualism.
This progressive thinking gave rise to the theme of my talk, where I sought to illuminate the cognitive advantages that come with trilingualism. From enhanced problem-solving skills to improved memory and multitasking abilities, the benefits are numerous and far-reaching. This concept is so engrossing that it has sparked an idea for my next book!
The festival was also host to an impressive book fair. This was a paradise for bookworms, with an array of literature for children and young adults spanning numerous genres, cultures, and languages. The fair was not just a celebration of reading, but also a testament to the power of books in shaping young minds and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Sharjah Book Authority for inviting me to this remarkable event. Their dedication to promoting a culture of reading and learning is truly commendable.
The entire experience has been enlightening and has certainly given me plenty to think about as I contemplate my future projects. It’s a privilege to see the UAE leading the charge in the realm of trilingual education. I am excited to see how this initiative will shape future generations and contribute to a more interconnected world.
Stay tuned as I continue to explore this intriguing topic of trilingualism and cognitive development, and who knows – the next time you hear from me, it might just be a sneak peek into my upcoming book!
FABRICE JAUMONT 