LING 110 Essay: The Cognitive Advantages of Second Language Learning

This essay, written for a LING 110 assignment, analyzes the cognitive benefits of multilingualism, drawing from an article by Cody C. Delistraty published in The Atlantic. The essay begins with a discussion on how the existence of specific words in some languages, but not in English, allows for a more nuanced understanding and expression of emotions, thereby enhancing cognitive processing. It then explores the positive correlations between learning multiple languages and improved cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving, and the ability to filter irrelevant information. The essay highlights research supporting the idea that multilinguals often exhibit stronger cognitive skills and potentially experience a later onset of cognitive decline compared to monolinguals. Furthermore, it touches upon the cultural connections inherent in language learning, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding. The essay concludes by reaffirming the positive impact of second language acquisition on cognitive development and overall brain function, aligning with the concepts discussed in the LING 110 course.

Running head: LINGUISTICS ESSAY
LINGUISTICS ESSAY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1LINGUISTICS ESSAY
Strong positive correlations between learning multiple languages and advanced
cognitive functions.
There exists a strong connection between the development of better cognitive functions
and learning a foreign language. The article by Cody Delistraty talks about the differential
expression of experiences that are not possible to be explained in English, but have exact lexical
entries in other languages. Once we understand and learn those expressions we can translate
them to specifically interpret their meaning, thereby making it easier for our brains to analyze the
event or emotion. This essay is based on Delistraty’s article which discusses the connections
between the existence and non – existence of certain words and phrases in English, making it
difficult for speakers to explain certain emotions without losing some of its essence. Alternately
the presence of specific words for the same emotions in other languages not only make it simpler
to explain the emotions at once, but also present a stark linguistic discrepancy between the
languages of the world and suggests how the language and brain mapping can be amplified by
learning an alternate language.
The positive connections between learning a second language and strong cognitive
development has been significantly outlined in the article. The classroom discussion on the
cognitive aspects of linguistics can be correctly connected with this article. The author has cited
multiple the research publications and supported a few key concepts with respect to all the
connection between brain development and being bilingual or a multilingual. Prior to that it is
important to state that lexical borrowing or the borrowing of certain words from other languages
is an outcome of multilingual contact. The English language has a variety of words taken from
other languages like French and German not only to simplify and enrich its lexicon, but also
because there were no specific words or phrases to denote certain concepts in English, something

2LINGUISTICS ESSAY
the other source languages had. Research done with monolinguals and multilinguals suggest that
there are vital positive benefits to the human cognition of monolinguals. The article cites some of
these research and suggest that skills like memory and retention, problem solving, environmental
perception and the ability to filter irrelevant concepts, are found to be more prominent in
bilinguals and multilinguals than monolinguals. At the same time, research has also suggested
that the multilingual brain also suffers from cognitive decline at a later age than the monolingual
brain. Other cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia are also reported to be
significantly declined in multilinguals. There are critical cultural connections to being
multilingual as well. From a sociolinguistic perspective, all languages are connected with a
specific culture. Therefore, learning a foreign language is not only beneficial cognitively, but
also relevant culturally. This improves cross – cultural communication, tolerance and
competence as well.
The essay built up on the points stated in the article by Delistraty, focussing on the
correlation between multilingual acquisition and cognitive development. Acquiring a foreign
language is cognitively beneficial, not only because it supports key cognitive functions and
skills, but also improves the longevity and functionality of the brain. In conclusion it can
therefore be stated that learning a second or a foreign language positively supports cognitive
development and function.