The Bilingual Brain: Cognitive Benefits and Challenges of Multilingualism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/egjlle.2500197Keywords:
Bilingualism, executive function, cognitive flexibility, working memoryAbstract
Bilingualism has been extensively studied for its cognitive effects, with research highlighting both advantages and challenges. This article explores how bilingualism enhances executive function, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, while also introducing language interference, increased cognitive load, and lexical retrieval difficulties. Findings indicate that bilingual individuals outperform monolinguals in tasks requiring inhibitory control, attentional switching, and problem-solving, with neuroimaging studies showing greater activation in executive function regions of the brain. Additionally, bilingualism has been linked to delayed cognitive decline and enhanced neuroplasticity, contributing to long-term brain health. However, some studies question whether these benefits are consistent across different age groups and task types, suggesting that bilingual advantages may be influenced by external factors such as proficiency, socioeconomic background, and linguistic environment. Despite these challenges, bilingualism remains a dynamic cognitive process that shapes brain function and adaptability over a lifetime. This study also discusses the practical implications of bilingualism in education, healthcare, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing its role in cognitive training, dementia prevention, and machine learning advancements.
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