Bilingualism Definition

Language

Definition

Language is a combination of sounds, representing words (which can be represented in writing by symbols), and these are combined by grammar rules to form sentences. It is used by human beings, to communicate and to share and express their inner status.

Language in a more technical context (language of algebra, or programming languages) is a system of formal symbols and rules.

A very short but succinct definition comes from the German philosopher Walter Benjamin (1892-1940): "Every communication of mental content is language."

Language serves to grasp and understand the world. Thinking also employs language. Thus, one's identity is developed through one's own language.

The scientific study of language is called linguistics. Some modern philosophers such as Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 – 1951) argued that philosophy is in fact the study of language. In his magnum opus (= main work), the "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" (1921, 75 pages).

The book starts with the statement: "The world is all that is the case."
And it ends with the proposition "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent."

Research

Empirical research on the consequences of bilingualism deliver mixed results. Especially older studies mainly demonstrated negative effects for bilingualism. Some researches went so far, to state: “we are monolingual creatures and it would be against our nature to learn and speak another language” – seemingly influenced by ideology.

Also, severe methodological flaws have been detected in some older studies, partly due to the fact, that the concept of bilingualism was ill-defined at that time.
In recent years, the benefits of bilingualism became more numerous than disadvantages.

Overall, studies of neuronal representations in bilingual adults have shown that similar areas are activated when processing (active form: speaking / writing; or passive: listening / reading) the first (L1) or second (L2) language. The factors to consider when studying bilinguals are:

• 
  Age of acquisition of L2
  
• 
  Competencies achieved in L2
  
• 
  Degree of exposure
  

Note that these studies comparing early / late learning maintain other variables constant.

The earlier the L2 is learned (the so-called "early" bilingual), the more the cerebral areas are divided between L1 and L2. During later L2 learning, the same areas appear activated but there would be additional recruitment of adjacent areas.

The variable "competences" influences mainly the lexico-semantic treatment in L2. Thus, the higher the L2 skills, the more the cerebral network between L1 and L2 would be shared.