BILINGUAL APHASIA AND THE THEORY OF COGNITIVE ADVANTAGE

Abstract

The theory of a bilingual “cognitive advantage” posits that bilingualism can improve an individual's executive control. It is believed to provide a protective effect against neurological or degenerative brain disorders, and perhaps even help improve the rate or manner of recovery following a brain injury. In this literature review, I looked at various studies and reviews to see if there was any data pertaining to the question of if bilinguals are affected differently by aphasia than monolinguals, due to the theorized effect of a cognitive advantage. Such data would be in support of the cognitive advantage hypothesis. From what could be gathered from the research, there does not appear to be any conclusive evidence to support whether bilinguals do or do not have a general neurological advantage over monolinguals. There is also not enough evidence to support or deny a potential effect in regard to recovery after a serious brain injury. It appears that more research is needed to produce a more conclusive answer.