Cognitive Relations and Implications of Bilingualism

Abstract

Bilingualism has become increasingly common in today’s world, largely due to globalization driven by technological advancements and migration. Therefore, this research synthesis aims to analyze the cognitive advantages associated with bilingualism and examine how these mental benefits are interconnected. Based on a review of 20 empirical articles published within the last 10 years, four key cognitive advantages were identified: executive function, attentional control, memory, and creativity. Within the domain of executive function, four subcomponents were also found to be enhanced in bilingual individuals: inhibitory control, planning, cognitive flexibility, and problem solving. A second major finding of this synthesis is the interrelated nature of these cognitive processes, suggesting that bilingualism does not strengthen isolated skills but rather fosters an integrated network of mental abilities. Notably, creativity is inferred to be a potential outcome emerging from the cumulative enhancement of the other cognitive advantages. In closing, two recommendations are proposed: first, to conduct more research in Latin American countries, where studies on this topic remain limited, and second, to further investigate the executive subcomponent of planning, which is underrepresented in current literature. These findings underscore the need for more diverse and targeted research on bilingual cognitive development.