Benefits of foreign language learning and bilingualism: An analysis of published empirical research 2012–2019

Abstract

The 21st century has seen a strong upward trajectory in empirical research on the multiple benefits that foreign language/world language learning and bilingualism can afford to both individuals and society. This analysis of research published from 2012‐2019 extends Fox et al.'s analysis of research published from 2005 to 2011 (Part I). The 100 empirical studies in Part II, drawn from seven data bases, were conducted in multiple countries. Six overarching themes emerged: cognitive abilities and benefits, aging and health, employability, academic achievement, communicative and intercultural competence, and enhanced creativity. Results report multiple cognitive benefits of language study and bi‐multilingualism, particularly later in life, including enhancement of cognitive flexibility, higher cognitive reserve in advanced age, and delay in the onset of dementia. Other results underscore the importance of early and sustained language learning and support for L1 literacy development. Additional results stress the benefits of foreign/world language skills relating to employability and academic achievement and propose that the accumulation of years of language learning positively impacts the development of cross‐cultural awareness and communicative competence. This research illustrates the importance of establishing cross‐/interdisciplinary research and sharing results with language advocates, policy makers, and legislators.

Jogos pedagógicos produzidos digitalmente para aprimorar a comunicação e a integração de crianças vulneráveis

“…A aquisição da linguagem é parte essencial para o desenvolvimento da autonomia cognitivo-afetiva e da consciência (Fox et al, 2019), sendo um processo que vai além da aquisição das habilidades de leitura e escrita (alfabetização). Segundo Picon e colaboradores (2015), a linguagem "é quesito de expressão da humanidade e, nesse raciocínio, é impossível cogitar-se da existência de qualquer coisa, que apenas é porque se pode expressar, sem o conceito de linguagem".…”

Why reading is a challenge for U.S. L2 learners: The impact of cognitive, ecological, and psychological factors in L2 comprehension

“…In addition, understanding that most U.S. learners will have little to no exposure to the L2 beyond the classroom, every effort should be made both to connect learners with L2 peers at home and abroad so as to increase exposure and share across a range of academic and community contexts, and also demonstrate the importance of bilingualism and multilingualism (see Fox, Corretjer, & Webb, ). Because of the strong relationships between L1 skills and L2 achievement and proficiency, another strategy to develop good L2 learners should include the early identification of students with strong L1 skills and prioritize their enrollment in immersion and dual immersion programs over several years with the goal of developing higher‐level proficiency in the target language.…”

Internationalism, migration, and education: Pluralistic disposition in multilingual and multicultural contact zones—Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

“…International, multidisciplinary scholarly work on the benefits of foreign language study and multilingualism provide a compelling argument for the prominence of language study and multilingualism in our increasingly interconnected world (Fox et al, 2019). Moreover, education has gradually become a territory of diversity where diversity represents a challenge and an opportunity for education.…”