NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION INTO BILINGUALS’ MENTAL ADVANTAGES

DOI: 10.24411/2470-1262-2020-10079

Abstract: Modern studies of bilingualism tend to focus on the neurophysiological processes related to changes in the structure and peculiarities in the functioning of the brains of bilingual people.
Particular interest is shown towards studies related to the formation of the brain structures in young children who are raised in multilingual environments. Bilinguals display their advantages most clearly in early childhood when they can be more disciplined, much better at communicating, and more empathetic than their peers. Researchers have proven that communication with native speakers is the decisive factor which enables the successful acquisition of a foreign language. Such early experiences of bilingual communication form a special language zone in children’s brains, which makes it much easier to learn foreign languages later on in life. Monitoring of adult bilinguals reveals that they tend to be adapted much better to their social and professional lives.
Artificial bilingualism at a later age can reveal personal traits that are related to the acquisition of a particular foreign language. Senior bilinguals have more flexible mental processes, better memory and concentration ability as well as slowed dementia onset.

Keywords: bilingualism, polylingualism, cognitive development, personal qualities, natural
early bilingualism, late artificial bilingualism

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Information about the author:
Ekaterina Yu. Bekasova (Moscow, Russia) – PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor, Moscow
State Pedagogical University, Russia. (6 Maly Sukharevsky lane, Moscow, 127051, Russian Federation). Published scientific works — more than 20 (pedagogical psychology, general psychology, psychology of bilingualism).
E-mail: bekasova1706@gmail.com

For citation: Bekasova Ekaterina Yu., (2020).
Neurophysiological Investigation into Bilinguals’ Mental Advantages.
Cross-Cultural Studies: Education and Science
Vol.5, Issue 4 (2020), pp. 86-92 (in USA)