The Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning: Broadening Our Perspectives

Although there has been a surge of interest in recent years on specific cognitive benefits of bilingualism, this has not been well integrated with research on the social and economic benefits of language learning.

As well as reviewing research on the relationship between bilingualism and executive function, literacy, and health, this project will include systematic reviews, analysis, and synthesis of such areas as creativity, social and affective cognition, and bilingualism in signed as well as spoken languages, linking bi/multilingualism and language learning with broader perspectives on cognition including intercultural understanding.

The project also uses big data and social media to assess public understanding of the cognitive benefits of multilingual skills. We aim to provide both a comprehensive overview of existing research and an identification of current practice and their policy implications across a wide range of topics.