NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION INTO BILINGUALS’ MENTAL ADVANTAGES

DOI: 10.24411/2470-1262-2020-00010

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), E-mail: bekasova1706@gmail.com Published scientific works — more
than 20 (pedagogical psychology, general psychology, psychology of bilingualism).
Acknowledgements: The author is grateful to the Russian scientific electronic library
elibrary.ru for the possibility of the necessary information search.

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)

Manuscript received 27/02/2020
Accepted for publication: 17/03/2020
The authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
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