cognitive benefits
(Univision Noticias , The benefits of being bilingual)
Disclaimer: No offence is intended by the humour used in this clip.
Disclaimer: No offence is intended by the humour used in this clip.
Baker (2011) suggests there are cognitive advantages to being bilingual. The research on the brain and bilingualism show balanced bilinguals have an advantage when it comes to divergent thinking. Research also indicates bilinguals may have increased focus, better decision making skills, a delayed onset of dementia (approximately four years) and a strengthened working memory. Bilinguals early metalinguistic awareness fosters or enhances literacy development and language attributes are readily transferred between languages (Baker, 2011).
Research shows immersion programs are designed to be additive with bilingual and biliteracy outcomes (Baker, 2011). The very nature of these programs promotes cognitive development through the development of literacy skills, higher level thinking, and communicative skills. “There are some indications that early immersion programs might favour the child’s overall cognitive development.” (Hamers & Blanc, 2000, p. 335). There is strong evidence of the cognitive benefits of immersion programs. Examples in Hamers & Blanc (2000) include:
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Follow the link below to view some additional videos on the benefits of being bilingual provided by the University of Calgary.
http://arts.ucalgary.ca/lrc/home/parent-counselling-service/video-benefits-bilingualism
http://arts.ucalgary.ca/lrc/home/parent-counselling-service/video-benefits-bilingualism