THE COGNITIVE BENEFITS OF MULTILINGUALISM
Keywords:
Keywords: multilingualism, cognitive benefits, executive control, neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, language processing.Abstract
Abstract. This paper looks at the good things that come from being multilingual. By using brain scans and studies of language the research shows that learning and using than one language can make a person better at executive tasks, memory, brain structure and mental flexibility. It also shows that these good effects can last all the way through life. Multilingualism can even protect against brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The findings tell us that being multilingual is not about talking to others in many languages but also about making the brain stronger and more adaptable for years.
References
Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Freedman, M. (2007). Bilingualism as a protection against the onset of symptoms of dementia. Neuropsychologia, 45(2), 459-464.
Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Luk, G. (2012). Bilingualism: consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(4), 240-250.
Costa, A., & Sebastián-Gallés, N. (2014). How does the bilingual brain solve the task of bilingualism? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(5), 336-345.
Kroll, J. F., & Bialystok, E. (2013). Understanding the consequences of bilingualism for the and cognition. Cerebral Cortex, 23(11), 2501-2503.
Stein, M., Winkler, C., Kaiser, A., & Dierks, T. (2014). Structural brain changes related to bilingualism: a review. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 526.