Commentary: The benefits of bilingualism go beyond knowing two languages

Introduction

• Bilingualism extends beyond just knowing two languages; it enhances mental functions and social interactions.
• The discussion is timely with International Mother Tongue Day on February 21.

Mental Development

• Bilingualism improves mental development from infancy to old age.
• Key Benefits Include:
  • Better Focus and Creativity:
    • Bilingual individuals have better concentration and can shift focus more effectively.
    • Leads to enhanced mental flexibility and creativity.
    • Bilingual children often outperform monolingual peers in problem-solving and adapting to new situations.
  • Easier Language Acquisition:
    • Bilinguals learn additional languages more easily.
    • Even infants show a heightened ability to learn foreign words compared to monolinguals.

Cognitive Benefits in Aging

• Bilingualism contributes to healthier mental aging.
• It may delay memory loss and other symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Social Benefits

• Enhances social bonding and reduces biases.
• Bilingual children are more adept at understanding different perspectives.
• Studies show bilingual children have fewer racial biases and build diverse social connections.

Executive System and Mental Flexibility

• Bilingualism engages the brain’s executive system, enhancing cognitive flexibility.
• The constant switching between languages strengthens this system, likened to the brain’s CEO.

Conclusion

• Bilingualism presents challenges but offers significant cognitive and social rewards.
• Infants are naturally equipped to learn multiple languages, benefiting from a bilingual environment.

Background

• Author: Leher Singh, Director at the National University of Singapore’s Infant and Child Language Centre and Associate Professor of Psychology.
• Source: Channel News Asia
• Published: February 25, 2018

Additional Resources

• Commentary on monolingual parents raising bilingual children

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