On 3 November 2026, VIZJA University invites you to an open lecture by Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele entitled “How many languages can a baby absorb from birth? A case study”. This is a unique opportunity to meet an internationally renowned researcher in multilingualism who ranked 2nd in the world in the Languages & Linguistics subfield in the 2026 edition of the Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking.
The lecture is organised by VISION – European Centre for Multilingualism in Teacher Education and the Didactic Excellence Office at VIZJA University.
During the lecture, Professor Dewaele will explore early multilingualism and address the question of whether children can acquire several languages simultaneously from birth. Drawing on scientific research and the experiences of his daughter Livia, who grew up surrounded by four languages, he will discuss the benefits of multilingual upbringing.
He will also examine the importance of maintaining the home language in migrant families and its role in children’s linguistic, cognitive, social and emotional development.
Event details
- Date: 3 November 2026 (Tuesday)
- Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM (CET)
- Venue: VIZJA University, VIZJA PARK, Room 234, 59 Okopowa Street, Warsaw
- Format: Hybrid – in person and online
- Language: English
- Online participation: Join the lecture on Zoom
Students, researchers, academic staff and everyone interested in multilingualism and children’s language development are warmly invited to attend.
Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele Ranks 2nd Worldwide in the Stanford–Elsevier 2026 Ranking
Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele of VIZJA University has achieved 2nd place worldwide in the Languages & Linguistics subfield in the 2026 edition of the prestigious World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking, compiled using Elsevier/Scopus data and a methodology developed by a research team at Stanford University.
The ranking includes 25,930 researchers in this subfield. This outstanding result highlights Professor Dewaele’s international academic standing and the significant impact of his research.
Professor Dewaele has consistently ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the Languages & Linguistics subfield in all seven editions of the single-year ranking published between 2020 and 2026.
International Academic Achievements
Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele is a Professor at VIZJA University, an Honorary Professor at University College London and an Emeritus Professor at Birkbeck, University of London.
His research focuses primarily on multilingualism, emotions in language learning and individual differences among foreign language learners. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development and a recipient of numerous international academic awards.
Professor Dewaele is actively involved in VISION – European Centre for Multilingualism in Teacher Education at VIZJA University.
His achievements reflect the international reach and impact of research conducted by members of VIZJA University’s academic community.
We warmly congratulate Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele on this remarkable international recognition and invite everyone to attend his upcoming lecture!