Abstract

ARDILA, Alfredo. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BILINGUALISM. Forma funcion, Santaf, de Bogot, D.C. [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.2, pp.99-114. ISSN 0120-338X.

The fact that bilingual individuals have to coordinate two linguistic systems implies both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages are an increase in mental flexibility; a greater development of cognitive functions related to attention and inhibition; the use of a larger number of cognitive strategies for the solution of problems; an increase in the so-called metalinguistic consciousness; and a better ability to communicate. On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of bilingualism are an apparent delay in language acquisition; interference between the two phonological, lexical, and grammatical systems; and a possible decrease in vocabulary in both languages. The article concludes that bilingual persons display a great variety of linguistic experiences and that a large number of variables affect their performance in different intellectual tasks.

Keywords : bilingualism; executive control; development of language; verbal abilities; cognition.

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