Abstract

This paper deals with the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in language program development for children of multicultural families. Their development and adaptation has become an important topic in Korea with increased interracial marriages. Researchers discovered that these children’s difficulties are derived not only from language deficiencies but from lack of cultural understanding. A working group of experts from various fields including child development and family studies, Korean language education, early childhood education and music composition were formed in order to help children of multicultural families. We developed an integrated language learning program, Seoul National University Language Program for Multicultural Families (SNU-LPMF). The results of this study are as follows: (1) The children who participated in the SNU-LPMF scored higher in their language ability than those who did not participate in the program. (2) The teachers who participated in the field application highly praised the effectiveness of the program as the children showed higher level of interest and attention. (3) The researchers who participated in the development process reported that the interdisciplinary collaboration provided them with new insights for their research fields. This study indicates that a well-structured interdisciplinary collaboration brings improvement in research performance and academic maturity in participating researchers.