Week 10

Acquisition of two languages from birth or early childhood.

Learning a second language after the first is established, usually after childhood.

Late bilingualism

A child growing up in a home where each parent speaks a different language to them from birth.

An adult learning Spanish for career advancement.

Bilingualism causes language delays in children.

Bilingual children develop separate language systems early and have comparable vocabulary to monolinguals.

Both early and late bilinguals go through stages of language acquisition.

The amount and quality of language exposure significantly impacts language development in both groups.

Improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

The ability to reflect on and manipulate language structures.

Better ability to switch between tasks and manage attention.

The practice of alternating between languages within a conversation.

Bilinguals can use language to express their cultural identity and group membership.

Languages may be associated with different emotions and attitudes.

There is an optimal window for language acquisition in early childhood.

Early bilinguals have higher brain plasticity, allowing for seamless language integration.

Early bilinguals process both languages in the same neural areas, while late bilinguals may use different regions.

Early bilinguals are more likely to acquire native-like pronunciation.

Late bilinguals rely more on explicit learning, while early bilinguals acquire language naturally.

Stronger first language influence on pronunciation and grammar.

The first language remains stronger, making L2 acquisition more effortful.

Early bilinguals experience developmental mixing, while late bilinguals may experience interference from L1.

Bilinguals may prefer to express emotions in their first language.

By training the brain to manage two linguistic systems, improving cognitive flexibility.

Consistent exposure and opportunities to use both languages enhance proficiency.

Late bilinguals can achieve fluency but may rely on their first language more for structure and pronunciation.

It enhances the ability to switch attention, control impulses, and manage multiple tasks.

Both forms of bilingualism offer cognitive, social, and professional advantages, despite differences in acquisition.

Increased exposure, immersion, and strategic learning approaches.