Research summary
Canada has one of the largest newcomer populations in the world, many of whom are children and young adults who speak a non-official language at home. Compared to their English- and French-speaking, Canadian-born peers, these young newcomers face added challenges when navigating a variety of academic, occupational and social barriers because their English and/or French language skills are still developing.
Dr. Veronica Whitford, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience of Bilingual Reading Across the Lifespan, is shedding light on important aspects of language processing among young newcomers in comparison with their Canadian-born peers. She and her research team are focusing on reading and reading-related behavioural, neurocognitive and linguistic processes. Their work will inform policies that promote functional literacy and socio-economic integration among newcomers to Canada.