Reference no: EM132152858
Question: Post an explanation of two or three research findings related to bilingualism or multilingualism that you believe the legislature should take into consideration and why. Include discussion about how multilingualism positively influences intelligence. Provide specific examples and use the articles you found to support your position.
In the early 1900s, multiple studies existed that either stated that bilingualism or multilingualism decreased intelligence in children it due to the belief that children focusing on speaking and interpreting more than one language caused confusion (Peal & Lambert, 1962). By midcentury, newer studies were proving that children who were bilingual or multilingual scored higher on intelligence tests in several areas (Peal & Lambert, 1962). Some current research shows that children that have proficiency in a second language perform better on verbal intelligence (Sampath, 2005). Research shows that children who are bilingual or multilingual do not score higher on social or emotional intelligence, nor does it increase intelligence in the areas of solving ability in arithmetic, problem solving ability or verbal concept ability (Sampath, 2005). Children that learn English as a second language might have increased challenges in school if attention is not paid to teaching these children to speak English. Knowing a child's and the child's family's acculturation level are also important in supporting the child to excel academically in school (Bastien, Seifen-Adkins, & Johnson, 2018). Special programs focusing on students learning English as a second language are needed to help children excel in the educational system.
Bastien, G., Seifen-Adkins, T., & Johnson, L. R. (2018). Striving for Success: Academic
Adjustment of International Students in the U.S. Journal of International Students, 8(2), 1198-1219.
Peal, E., & Lambert, W. E. (1962). The relation of bilingualism to intelligence. Psychological
Monographs: General and Applied, 76(27), 1-23.
Sampath, K. K. (2005). Effect of bilingualism on intelligence. In Proceedings of the 4th
International Symposium on Bilingualism. J. Cohen, K. T. McAlister, K. Rolstad, & J. MacSwan (Eds.) (pp. 2048-2056). Somerville, MA: Cascadilla Press.