1. Two languages in one mind: Effects of the L2 on the L1 in higher education Marcelyn Oostendorp Department of General Linguistics moostendorp@sun.ac.za

2. Multilingualism is a rare phenomenon Real multilinguals have equal and perfect knowledge of their languages Multilinguals code-switch out of pure laziness Children raised as multilinguals will always mix their languages Children are better language learners than adults Once a language is learned, it is never forgotten

3. Two of my research questions What are the effects of increased exposure to English in a teaching and learning context on academic literacy in Afrikaans? What are the effects of increased exposure to English in a teaching and learning context on general academic achievement ?

4. Participants Afrikaans/English bilinguals with Afrikaans as dominant language Previous education in Afrikaans First year students at SU Examined differences between group with less exposure to English in teaching and learning (A= stream, parallel medium) and group with more exposure to English in teaching and learning (some modules through T option) Examined differences across time for the duration of first year.

5. Research instruments - standardised tests of academic literacy (in Afrikaans) - weighted average of first year as an indication of academic achievement. - Semi-structured interviews

6. Results Academic literacy: No statistically significant difference between the two groups Academic achievement: No statistically significant difference between the two groups.

7. It is estimated that at least half of world’s population is at least bilingual. Very few multilinguals know all their languages “perfectly” Multilinguals code-switch for a variety of reasons Children raised as multilinguals tend to mix their languages more when communicating with other multilinguals. Children seem to be better language learners than adults in certain aspects of language acquisition, but in others, adults are better If languages are not used it can attrite, but that it can also be re-learned again.

8. Baie dankie Thank you very much Enkosi kakhulu moostendorp@sun.ac.za