The Effects of Bilingualism on Non-Linguistic Cognition: A Historic Perspective

This book explores a century of research on bilingualism and intelligence, highlighting the impact on cognitive science, language policy, and education. It examines the "Bilingual Problem" and the "Bilingual Advantage," questioning the negative consequences and methodological problems in research. It offers fresh insights for students and scholars of cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, bilingualism, applied linguistics, education, and the history of science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into a century of research on the intricate relationship between bilingualism and intelligence, drawing connections to recent studies on bilingualism and executive functioning. By examining how bilingualism research has been interpreted and applied by society at large, as well as its implications for cognitive science, language policy, and education, the book sheds light on the evolving understanding and utilization of this field.

The book begins by exploring the initial perception of bilingualism as having a negative impact on intelligence, known as the "Bilingual Problem." However, subsequent research has revealed a more positive perspective, known as the "Bilingual Advantage." It raises important questions about whether the lingering negative consequences of the Bilingual Problem are influencing researchers' reluctance to embrace the full benefits of bilingualism.

The book meticulously examines findings on both the bilingual "advantage" and "disadvantage," highlighting the methodological challenges that have plagued research in this area. It reveals that studies investigating the former have faced significant replication crises, underscoring the need for robust methodologies and careful analysis.

In providing fresh insights, this book is particularly valuable for students and scholars of cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, bilingualism, applied linguistics, education, and the history of science. It offers a comprehensive examination of the past, present, and future of bilingualism research, providing a rich foundation for understanding the complexities of language acquisition, cognitive development, and language policy.

Through its comprehensive analysis and thoughtful insights, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue on bilingualism and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted benefits and challenges of bilingualism.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031346804
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023