This project investigates the impact of orthographic dissimilarity on learning new foreign language words. We are also interested in the mechanisms that can facilitate this process. This project is funded by a Language Learning Early Career Research Grant to Dr Marie-Josee Bisson.

This project examines whether and to what end previous language experience in a related language can generate unintentional language switches to a task-irrelevant language. In addition, this project compares cognates and non-cognates and different word categories (determiners, adjectives, and nouns). This project is funded by The Institute for Principal Psychological Investigator Sciences to Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta.

Language skills are crucial for the UK’s economy, inter-cultural relationships, diplomacy, security and research. However, there is a persistent decline in the number of individuals who choose to study languages in higher education. This may be due to a lack of awareness about the importance of language learning, a belief that language learning is too complicated, or a lack of research-informed language teaching. How to overcome this disconnect? We propose a conversation: we produce podcasts aimed at the general public and, in turn, conduct primary research to provide insight into the specific barriers to language education. By interviewing experts and prof: 1) the importance of language learning, 2) how to facilitate language learning, and 3) how to conduct language learning research. This project is funded through a British Academy Talent Development Grant to Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta and Dr Marie-Josee Bisson.