The effects of Bilingualism on brain functions: What recent studies have to say
Cristina da Silva Ferreira | 2015
This study is a review of the recent scientific literature that aims to answer the research question: “What are the effects of bilingualism in terms of brain function?”. The new technologies that obtain brain data allow researchers to identify the areas of the brain that are active during language processes such as reading, speaking, translating and also switching between languages when the process concerns a bilingual brain. With the use of neuroimaging tools, researchers have found intriguing results about the brain concerning other brain functions with respect to bilingualism and acquisition of a second language. This study seeks for the most relevant information in this area with respect to age of acquisition, child development, aging, preventions against brain damage, among other factors. The neuroimaging has provided researchers to check on delay on onset symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, increase in the plasticity of matters (Grey-matter and White-matter) of the brain as well as children outperforming concerning reading and speaking tasks.