Cognitive Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bilingualism

Bilingualism by definition is considered the ability to comfortably speak two languages, but to provide a single definition is unrealistic since there are other factors that contribute to the definition of bilingualism. Those factors are context and the different degrees of bilingualism such as proficiency levels, fluency, writing and reading (Galante, 2016). In a bilinguals mind, it has been found that to some degree both languages of that speaker are constantly activated, even in situations that are considered monolingual contexts (Calvo & Bialystok, 2013). Studies have shown that knowing a second language can shape the mind in areas related to concentration and multitasking. Knowledge of a second language is also considered to have an …show more content…
Experiencing bilingualism results in overall better cognitive abilities than monolinguals (Bastian, Souza & Gade, 2016). Though numerous advantages have been found, there also has been evidence for the disadvantages of bilingualism. Since individuals that are bilingual have to coordinate two linguistic systems this leads to both advantages and disadvantages (Shook, Goldrick, Engstler & Marian, 2015). Those disadvantages are slower lexical access and smaller vocabulary size in bilinguals. Bialstok and Craik (2010) found that bilingualism had a negative impact on verbal skill and knowledge specifically the smaller vocabulary sizes and less rapid lexical access. Bilinguals tend to show weaker lexical access during both written and spoken language (Shook, Goldrick, Engstler & Marian, 2015). Monolinguals have been found to have a better accuracy and speed of lexical access then bilinguals. Bilinguals are said to have a smaller vocabulary size, due to them having two languages to learning words, where monolinguals have only their native language. In bilingual children from 3-10 have a smaller vocabulary size then monolinguals. Vocabulary size is an important factor in semantic development and may explain why bilinguals can have slower rate in semantic development (Keith & Nicoladis, 2013). These disadvantages are present in bilinguals, but overall do not have an effect on the proficiency and enhanced cognitive abilities that bilinguals