I agree with the readings. It’s no secret that being fluent in two languages can only benefit the individual. In Benefits of Bilingualism, I agree the most with the idea that being bilingual lends itself to “a higher ability to monitor an environment.” Inherent self-awareness and awareness in general is practically doubled in this way, giving the speaker an unusually well-rounded experience in the world.
I think the other article takes an interesting approach, from the standpoint of intellect or simply being smart, a word that is problematic in and of itself. Similar to how the executive function is described in the article, I once listened to a podcast about learning a second language. In a survey conducted among bilinguals, it would seem that people are more prone to taking risks in another language than if they use their own language. When learning a second language it would seem as though the individual is taking on a separate identity, which pretty fascinating.
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