The Identification of Cognitive Profiles of Bilingual Children With Learning Difficulties

Abstract

Bilingualism is a multidimensional and dynamic construct, and its definition has always been a complex challenge. More than half the global population, nowadays, is speaking at least two different languages, and several researchers have provided numerous definitions to date. In modern societies, many children grow up in families and communities where communication in more than one language is part of day-to-day life (e.g., Spanish-speaking children in the U.S.). Consequently, many countries and states are called upon to deal with the bilingualism or multilingualism phenomenon, both at a cultural and an educational level. Due to the complexity of its nature, the study of bilingualism relies on several fields within linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and education. As research suggests, managing multiple languages may result in more pronounced cognitive improvements than other cognitively stimulating activities.