Clear Theories Are Needed to Interpret Differences: Perspectives on the Bilingual Advantage Debate
Date
2021Author
de Bruin, Angela
Dick, Anthony Steven
Carreiras, Manuel
Metadata
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de Bruin, A., Dick, A. S., & Carreiras, M. (2021). Clear theories are needed to interpret differences: Perspectives on the bilingual advantage debate. Neurobiology of Language, 2(4), 433–451. https://doi.org /10.1162/nol_a_00038
Abstract
The heated debate regarding bilingual cognitive advantages remains ongoing. While there are
many studies supporting positive cognitive effects of bilingualism, recent meta-analyses have
concluded that there is no consistent evidence for a bilingual advantage. In this article we focus
on several theoretical concerns. First, we discuss changes in theoretical frameworks, which
have led to the development of insufficiently clear theories and hypotheses that are difficult to
falsify. Next, we discuss the development of looking at bilingual experiences and the need to
better understand language control. Last, we argue that the move from behavioural studies to a
focus on brain plasticity is not going to solve the debate on cognitive effects, especially not
when brain changes are interpreted in the absence of behavioural differences. Clearer theories
on both behavioural and neural effects of bilingualism are needed. However, to achieve this, a
solid understanding of both bilingualism and executive functions is needed first.