Is there a benefit to bilingualism? I would say yes, of course, wishing I could call myself at least bilingual. But the question refers to cognitive abilities. Apparently the common opinion used to be ‘no’. But today science is taking a serious look at the question.
First, here is an article about a study that showed a cognitive advantage for bilingual toddlers:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119120409.htm. And why not? Codeswitching is mental exercise…
This next study was fascinating, suggesting that bilingualism could delay dementia in old age.http://www.newscientist.com/mobile/article/dn10954-bilingualism-delays-onset-of-dementia.html.
This third one is not so much related to cognitive abilities, and it’s the first negative one. This study found bilingual children more likely to stutter.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908215938.htm.
Looks like bilingualism is today seen as a benefit to your brain. Like chess. Excuse me, I need to go get talking…
