Bilingualism & the Brain

Bilingualism and the Brain Reaction:

The slideshow on bilingualism vs. monolingualisms, and our brains is very interesting, yet not surprising. One area, I question, reguarding the presentation, is whether or not the studies on the bilingual brain function are conducted on people with bilingual exposure since infancy, or L2 acquisition at a later age?

I believe it makes perfect sense that bilingual speakers are better at multitasking, but I did not realize it is because they use less frontal cortex, brain function. I think this may because the bilingual exposure and development at an early age, creates lasting a Semitic impact, which makes language learning easier, later in life.

I have heard studies that early childhood intervention, especially at infancy, before the age of one, produces strong cognitive brain function that is evident at a later age.  This is why parents expose their babies to music, foreign language, and educational materials that cannot be assessed at the time. Supposedly, the early exposure advances brain functions that are imminent when child is in school.

Knowing the baby brain studies on bilingualism, previously, supports the information I see in the slides. Babies ability to recognize voices in language differentiation, and switch their attention, coincided with Chomsky’s, critical period hypothesis. He states, that the observation period of infants is imperative to their language acquisition. Babies are not able to speak, but during infancy, there is a primitive information collection, that develops to help their social survival. The study of Genie, the wilderness child, is a great example of a child, who was isolated from language exposure, and the delays it created in her emotional development and expression. This case also, shares how the child required a non-verbal, observation period and exposure, CPH, to acquire language.

So, it is obvious bilingual speakers have tremendous advantages, and brain functions that benefit other aspects of their lives, such as being a better driver, while on the phone. This is hilarious, and makes me want to work on my bilingualism.