This thought-provoking monograph makes a multidisciplinary case for
bilingualism as a possible enhancer of executive function, particularly
cognitive control. Its central focus is the cognitive operations of the
bilingual brain in processing two languages and whether they afford the
brain a greater edge on neuroplasticity-in short, a cognitive advantage.
Major issues and controversies in the debate are analyzed from cognitive
neuroscience, psycholinguistic, and integrative perspectives, with
attention paid to commonly and rarely studied domains at work in
bilingual processing. The author also pinpoints future areas for
improved research such as recognizing the diversity of bilingualism, not
simply in languages spoken but also in social context, as seen among
immigrants and refugees.
Included in the coverage:
- The evolution of bilingualism.
- What goes on in a bilingual mind? The core cognitive mechanisms.
- Cognitive advantage of bilingualism and its criticisms.
- Neuroscience of bilingualism.
- Bilingualism, context, and control.
- Attention, vision, and control in bilinguals.
With its cogent takes on ongoing questions and emerging issues,
Bilingualism and Cognitive Control is of immediate interest to
bilingual researchers and practitioners interested in understanding the
behavioral aspects and neurobiology of bilingualism and the dynamic
character of the bilingual/multilingual/second language learner's mind,
as well as the growing number of advanced undergraduate and graduate
students interested in the psychology/psycholinguistics of bilingualism,
bilingual cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and cognitive
neuroscience.
