Language, an everyday form of communication throughout history, has significant effects on the perceptions and viewpoints of the world, whether it relates to time, direction or patterns of life. Furthermore, with the spread of languages across the globe and more than half of earth’s six billion people speaking more than one language, bilingualism remains one of the most quintessential skills in the development of the world. However, the influence of bilingualism and the role it plays in this development is often overlooked by modern societies or governments. Historically, it has been assumed that one language must suffice or is best for the entire population of a country. However, recent research and studies on bilingualism demonstrate the
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(Kluger, 2013). This emerging body of research has the potential to reshape the way we conceptualize bilingualism, mental development and societal influences. While language continues to change along with increasing advancements, the ability to speak two languages proves far more effective in developing the capacity for deeper understanding of theories and higher analytical reasoning and skills. These beneficial influences and advantages relate not only to increased motor control, but also are apparent in academics, in the ability to communicate and even can even be measured in quicker reaction times in physical and mental activities. While all of the benefits of bilingualism prove applicable and advantageous, the cognitive benefits play arguably the most important role in the development of students, leaders and even manifest in older …show more content…
However recent linguists have found speaking two or more languages sheds light into previously undiscovered facts and processes. In recent research and experimentation, Bialystok (2011) has found bilingualism develops enhanced executive control and increased transferring of skills relating to the brain in a variety of domains. The methods used in her experiment involved testing monolingual and bilingual speakers in a wide array of tests, including mean reaction times, visual and auditory stimuli and even congruency or incongruency in the flanker test. All of these wide-ranging examinations indicated a statistically significant advantage in favor of bilinguals. Of particular importance in her study was the effect bilingualism had on a specific part of the brain, the medial temporal lobe, in which Bialystok examined multilingual and monolingual ability in Alzheimer 's patients. The multilingual group contained a higher average of disease severity compared to the monolingual class, but surprisingly maintained higher cognitive function and ability. In essence, Bialystok demonstrates the cognitive advantages of bilingual speakers in reaction times, executive control, skill transferring and brain functioning in various scenarios and tests. Moreover, another study provides evidence that bilingual capability increases cognitive ability relating to an array of skills.
(Kluger, 2013). This emerging body of research has the potential to reshape the way we conceptualize bilingualism, mental development and societal influences. While language continues to change along with increasing advancements, the ability to speak two languages proves far more effective in developing the capacity for deeper understanding of theories and higher analytical reasoning and skills. These beneficial influences and advantages relate not only to increased motor control, but also are apparent in academics, in the ability to communicate and even can even be measured in quicker reaction times in physical and mental activities. While all of the benefits of bilingualism prove applicable and advantageous, the cognitive benefits play arguably the most important role in the development of students, leaders and even manifest in older …show more content…
However recent linguists have found speaking two or more languages sheds light into previously undiscovered facts and processes. In recent research and experimentation, Bialystok (2011) has found bilingualism develops enhanced executive control and increased transferring of skills relating to the brain in a variety of domains. The methods used in her experiment involved testing monolingual and bilingual speakers in a wide array of tests, including mean reaction times, visual and auditory stimuli and even congruency or incongruency in the flanker test. All of these wide-ranging examinations indicated a statistically significant advantage in favor of bilinguals. Of particular importance in her study was the effect bilingualism had on a specific part of the brain, the medial temporal lobe, in which Bialystok examined multilingual and monolingual ability in Alzheimer 's patients. The multilingual group contained a higher average of disease severity compared to the monolingual class, but surprisingly maintained higher cognitive function and ability. In essence, Bialystok demonstrates the cognitive advantages of bilingual speakers in reaction times, executive control, skill transferring and brain functioning in various scenarios and tests. Moreover, another study provides evidence that bilingual capability increases cognitive ability relating to an array of skills.