105 Post Learning Journal # 9

[Carlos Diaz]

In the reading from the New York Times “Why Bilinguals are Smarter and the Science Line “Are Bilinguals Really Smarter?” the authors discuss the science evidence and thoughts on bilinguals whether their smarter or more adept than monolinguals. I found these articles very interesting because I am bilingual, Spanish and English. Currently, I am learning Korean and French which would increase my sense of language and my linguistic ability. One article (NYT), the author refers to scientific studies examining bilinguals and monolinguals. According to the articles, bilingual’s brains are constantly thinking in both languages, and the constant rotation between the languages reinforces connections and brain networks (wiring) which strengthens the brain. The other paper is skeptical to saying that bilinguals are smarter, but rather more executive functions. Apparently, in the past, people or school administrators viewed learning a second language hindered and slowed education. It is interesting to see the paradigm shift in thinking because currently (modern times) the idea of bilingual or learning multiple languages help one understand the world and learn more. I have noticed that there are times when knowing a second language has given me the advantage to learn something quicker or better than my other monolingual friends. However, I agree with the author in the article from Science Line that the most important advantage of bilinguals or dual language learners is the ability and increase opportunity to communicate and express with more people at a global scale. I am very pleased to read about how bilingual (knowing two languages) has shown to help combat or delay dementia (memory loss).