Studies on the relationship between bilingualism and cognition: inhibitory control and working memory

Abstract

The relationship between bilingualism and cognition has been investigated by several researchers, both in Canada, as more recently in Brazil. Bilingualism can be associated with better maintenance of inhibitory control and conflict resolution (BIALYSTOK, 2009). The goal of this paper is to review Brazilian and Canadian research on the positive effects of bilingualism. The cognitive benefits found in Canadian bilinguals have not been always found in southern Brazil bilingual speakers of Portuguese and a variety of German called Hunsrückisch. It is possible that the lack of identification of the advantages in Brazilian bilinguals is related to the tasks used in the studies and multiple factors as a distinct socioeconomic reality, schooling, unbalanced bilingualism, among other factors discussed in this article.