The Importance of Encouraging Bilingualism

 

Julia Laghi

Professor Morrison

Neuro 300

5/4/2022

The Importance of Encouraging Bilingualism

In “Early Bilingualism, Language Attainment, and Brain Development” Berken et al. review several different articles pertaining to bilingualism. Emphasizing a comparison between those that were exposed in the early stages of their neurodevelopment to a second and those who developed their second language after those formative years. One particular article illustrated that after the 12-month mark, children will have already developed and set the accents of their native language(s). Generally, throughout the review article Berken et al. make it abundantly clear that the earlier a language is learned/exposed to the quicker the individual will become what may be considered ‘fluent’ in that language. In terms of language learning, the earlier the better seems to be the general consensus in terms of fluency and vocabulary. This is due to the extreme permeability of a child’s mind that comes with the developing brain. Sentence patterns, grammar, and phonetics especially being easily absorbed and processed. And as the articles referenced in this review have shown, once the individual has grown this window of extreme permeability has closed. Thus, those out of this young age range will find it much more challenging to gain native like fluency and accents.

And while we understand that bilingualism is easier to achieve during the early years of development, why should we continue to encourage others to achieve bilingualism? Besides the benefits of communicating further and understanding other cultures around us better, there have also been signs that bilingualism improves cognitive health. For example, in an article published on CNN by Martha Shade she speaks on research being done at University of Toranto. Stating, “bilinguals are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four to five years later than their monolingual counterparts”. The mental stimulation that bilingualism provides is a form of natural protecting for those who are predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.

However, the benefits of bilingualism encompass more than just the mental exercise of switching between and learning two languages. But it also entails some secondary benefits. In the ability to master another language you are effectively expanding the pool of potential social connections. These opportunities also assist in strengthening the mind, as social connects are also a part of delaying Alzheimer’s (Shade). Moreover, the more international connections both researchers and the public build, the more collaboration towards finding cures for pathologies, like Alzheimer’s, will occur. Thus, bilingualism has a web of benefits stretching from an individual neuron towards thousand of collaborating people working to protect brain health.

 

Works Cited

Berken, Jonathan A., et al. “Early Bilingualism, Language Attainment, and Brain Development.” Neuropsychologia, vol. 98, 2017, pp. 220–227., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.08.031.

Shade, Martha. “Bilingualism Is Good Medicine for the Brain.” CNN, Cable News Network, 24 Oct. 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/23/health/staying-well-bilingualism-and-the-brain-benefits-wellness/index.html.