The definitive study of bilingualism and the human brain from a leading neuropsychologistOver half of the world's population is bilingual and yet few of us understand how this extraordinary, complex ability really works. How do two languages co-exist in the same brain? What are the advantages and challenges of being bilingual? How do we learn - and forget - a language?In the first study of its kind, leading expert Albert Costa shares twenty years of experience to explore the science of language. Looking at studies and examples from Canada to France to South Korea, The Bilingual Brain investigates the significant impact of bilingualism on daily life from infancy to old age. It reveals, among other things, how babies differentiate between two languages just hours after birth, how accent affects the way in which we perceive others and even why bilinguals are better at conflict resolution. Drawing on cutting-edge neuro-linguistic research from his...
This book is for anyone interested in the science of language, particularly how bilingualism affects the brain. It is accessible to a general audience with an interest in psychology, linguistics, or neuroscience. Parents raising bilingual children, educators, and anyone curious about the cognitive advantages and challenges of bilingualism will find this book insightful. It also appeals to those interested in the effects of bilingualism on cognitive aging and decision-making.
The book explores the historical context of bilingualism, touching on immigration waves and the challenges faced by individuals learning new languages in new environments. It also delves into the evolution of understanding bilingualism from traditional definitions to a more nuanced view considering various factors like age of acquisition and competence.
