9.4 Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition

Bilingualism, the ability to use two languages proficiently, offers cognitive benefits like improved executive function and mental flexibility. However, it also presents challenges such as slower lexical access and potential language interference.

Second language acquisition is influenced by factors like age, motivation, and learning environment. The process involves transfer between languages, both positive and negative, and the development of an interlanguage system as learners progress in their L2 skills.

Defining Bilingualism and Its Cognitive Aspects

Definition and impact of bilingualism

Top images from around the web for Definition and impact of bilingualism

• 

  Frontiers | Role of Bilingualism and Biculturalism as Assets in Positive Psychology: Conceptual ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism for Dementia: Neurological Mechanisms Associated With Functional and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism: A Global Public Health Strategy for Healthy Cognitive Aging View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Role of Bilingualism and Biculturalism as Assets in Positive Psychology: Conceptual ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism for Dementia: Neurological Mechanisms Associated With Functional and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Definition and impact of bilingualism

• 

  Frontiers | Role of Bilingualism and Biculturalism as Assets in Positive Psychology: Conceptual ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism for Dementia: Neurological Mechanisms Associated With Functional and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism: A Global Public Health Strategy for Healthy Cognitive Aging View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Role of Bilingualism and Biculturalism as Assets in Positive Psychology: Conceptual ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Bilingualism for Dementia: Neurological Mechanisms Associated With Functional and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Bilingualism entails proficient use of two languages varying in proficiency levels across individuals encompasses speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills
• Cognitive benefits enhance executive function improve attention control boost task-switching abilities delay onset of cognitive decline in older adults (improved mental flexibility)
• Cognitive challenges slow lexical access in both languages increase difficulty in verbal fluency tasks lead to potential language interference (code-switching)

Simultaneous vs sequential bilingualism

• Simultaneous bilingualism involves acquisition of two languages from birth or before age 3 develops both languages concurrently often results in native-like proficiency (balanced bilingualism)
• Sequential bilingualism occurs when second language acquired after first is established typically after age 3 may result in varying proficiency levels (Spanish-English learner in school)

Second Language Acquisition Factors and Processes

Factors in second language acquisition

• Age of acquisition impacts learning due to critical period hypothesis and neuroplasticity differences between children and adults
• Motivation drives learning through integrative desire to integrate into target culture or instrumental practical reasons (job opportunities)
• Language aptitude reflects individual differences in language learning abilities (phonemic coding ability)
• Learning environment affects acquisition immersion vs classroom settings exposure to native speakers (study abroad programs)
• First language (L1) influence depends on linguistic distance between L1 and L2 (English speakers learning German vs Chinese)
• Personality factors shape learning extroversion vs introversion risk-taking tendencies (willingness to make mistakes)
• Cognitive factors impact acquisition working memory capacity phonological awareness (ability to manipulate speech sounds)

Transfer and interference in language learning

• Positive transfer applies L1 knowledge to facilitate L2 learning more common with linguistically similar languages (Spanish to Italian)
• Negative transfer (interference) impedes L2 learning occurs at various linguistic levels:
  1. Phonological (accent)
  2. Syntactic (word order)
  3. Semantic (false cognates)
• Interlanguage represents learner's developing L2 system influenced by both L1 and L2 rules (mixing grammar structures)
• Cross-linguistic influence shows bidirectional effects between L1 and L2 (L2 influencing L1 pronunciation)
• Transfer strategies consciously apply L1 knowledge to L2 learning (using cognates)
• Avoidance leads learners to bypass L2 structures significantly different from L1 (English speakers avoiding Chinese tones)