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3 - Bilingualism Across the Life Span

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2023

Maria Garraffa ,
Antonella Sorace  and
Maria Vender
Translated by
John W. Schwieter
Maria Garraffa
Affiliation:
University of East Anglia
Antonella Sorace
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh
Maria Vender
Affiliation:
Università degli Studi di Verona
John W. Schwieter
Affiliation:
Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
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Summary

In this chapter, we report on the effects of language learning in adults beyond the language system. We discuss the hypothesis that knowing and practicing multiple languages has an effect on cognition, in particular on executive functions, and the hypothesis that in the bilingual brain, both languages are always active. Current hypotheses on developed cognitive control abilities in bilingual speakers is presented. The final part of the chapter is dedicated to recent research on the protective effects of bilingualism for aging and its contribution to recovery from bilingual aphasia due to brain trauma.

Keywords

Bilingualismcognitionexecutive functionscognitive researchhealthy agingadult language learning
Type
Chapter
Information
Bilingualism Matters
Language Learning Across the Lifespan
 , pp. 39 - 56
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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