What are the benefits of bilingualism?
The benefits of bilingualism are vast and extend beyond just communication. Being bilingual can improve mental health, academic performance, develop critical thinking skills and empathy, and so much more.
Studies show that bilingualism can have a positive change on the structure of a child’s brain. These structural changes result in a number of long-term cognitive benefits for children beyond just academics. A 2020 research study looked at the difference in brain development between monolingual (speaking one language) and bilingual (speaking two languages) individuals. The results of the study indicated that compared to monolinguals, bilingual brains showed more grey matter starting during late childhood and adolescence and higher white matter integrity starting during mid-late adolescence (Pliatsikas, Meteyard, Verríssimo, DeLuca, Shattuck, & Ullman, 2020). These are significant findings are increased brain development lend itself to increased cerebral resilience in adulthood. It was noted that this brain development can help to prevent alzheimers and dementia (Pliatsikas, et.al, 2020). Not only this, but it may also help with increased critical thinking skills, better memory, and more (Pliatsikas, et. al., 2020). The cognitive benefits of bilingualism extend beyond academics and have a significant impact on almost all areas of an individual’s life. One of the biggest benefits noted is the positive impact on a child’s academic performance.
There are countless studies examining the impact bilingualism has on students’ academic performance, many specifically looking at young children. One research review from 2018 identified that there were no harmful effects of bilingual education but did find a number of benefits in many domains (Bialystok, 2018). This review also noted that young students who experienced bilingual education from an early age demonstrated increased language and literacy skills (Bialystok, 2018). Not only this, but it was also found that many students in bilingual education programs made more rapid growth than their monolingual peers(Bialystok, 2018). In another study specifically focusing on mathematical achievement, researchers found that students in bilingual education programs grew more in math than their monolingual counterparts (Watzinger-Tharp, Swenson, & Mayne, 2018). The general consensus of research is that being in bilingual education programs allows students to meet and surpass the academic achievements of their monolingual peers. However, these students are able to perform at or above their peers while also being able to communicate in a second language.
All of these positive impacts on cognitive and academic abilities also translates to social and professional benefits. Individuals who are bilingual tend to have more job opportunities in addition to being offered higher salaries (Mansori, 2021). Not only this, but individuals who are bilingual are able to travel more easily and communicate better than monolingual peers. Similarly, learning a second language allows individuals to have a greater cultural understanding and a greater sense of empathy (Mansori, 2021). There are many more benefits to bilingualism beyond these as well! Overall, bilingualism has positive impacts on all areas of an individual’s life. To be able to have the most impact, bilingual education should begin early on in an individual’s life. The evidence is overwhelming that bilingualism has incredible benefits that have lasting, positive impacts.
It is vital to understand that individuals who benefit the most from bilingualism are those who began early in life. Choosing an immersion or bilingual educational program for students will allow them to reap as many benefits as possible. Only a small snapshot of benefits and research have been outlined here. The infographic below outlines some of the main benefits and positive impacts that bilingualism can have on an individual’s brain, some of which have been mentioned. Take a look at the Resources page for more information on additional benefits of bilingualism!
Bialystok, E. (2016). Bilingual education for young children: Review of the effects and consequences. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 21(6), 666–679. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2016.1203859
Pliatsikas, C., Meteyard, L., Veríssimo, J., DeLuca, V., Shattuck, K., & Ullman, M. T. (2020). The effect of bilingualism on brain development from early childhood to young adulthood. Brain Structure and Function, 225(7), 2131–2152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-020-02115-5
Mansori, M. (2021, April 20). Positive impacts of dual language programs | Blog | Participate. . . Participate Learning. https://www.participatelearning.com/blog/positive-impacts-of-dual-language-programs/
Watzinger-Tharp, J., Swenson, K., & Mayne, Z. (2018). Academic achievement of students in dual language immersion. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 21(8), 913–928. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2016.1214675
