Book contents
- The Cambridge Handbook of Language and Brain
- Cambridge Handbooks In Language And Linguistics
- The Cambridge Handbook of Language and Brain
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Acknowledgments
- Part I Introduction
- Part II Neuroimaging Studies of Brain and Language
- Part III Language and Cognitive Plasticity and Processing
- Part IV Variations of Language Representations in the Brain
- Part V Brain, Language, and Music
- Part VI New Directions and Perspectives
- Index
- References
10 - Bilingualism as a Dynamic Experience and Its Effects on Brain Structure, Function, and Metabolism
from Part IVA - Building Cognitive Brain Reserve and the Importance of Proficiency
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 December 2025
Book contents
- The Cambridge Handbook of Language and Brain
- Cambridge Handbooks In Language And Linguistics
- The Cambridge Handbook of Language and Brain
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Acknowledgments
- Part I Introduction
- Part II Neuroimaging Studies of Brain and Language
- Part III Language and Cognitive Plasticity and Processing
- Part IV Variations of Language Representations in the Brain
- Part V Brain, Language, and Music
- Part VI New Directions and Perspectives
- Index
- References
Summary
Recent theoretical and methodological advances have led to a vivid interest in the study of bilingualism as a cognitively challenging neuroplastic experience. There is wide consensus that handling more than one language can cause substantial neural changes to the bilingual brain, in order for it to adapt to deal with this cognitive challenge- after all, it is well know that all language remain active, and compete, in the bilingual mind. However, we have just started to understand the underlying neural mechanisms. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary evidence on the neuroplastic effects of bilingualism on brain structure, function and metabolism, focusing on effects that are domain general and not linked to performance on linguistic or other cognitive tasks. Particular attention is paid to more contemporary approaches that treat bilingualism not as a binary factor but as a continuum of experiences, and how these can inform theoretical approaches to bilingualism-induced neuroplasticity. The available evidence on how these neuroplastic effects interact with brain development, healthy ageing and progressive neurodegeneration is also reviewed. Suggestions are provided on how to move the field forward, including by providing new theories that can be tested with modern neuroimaging techniques.
Keywords
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- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Cambridge Handbook of Language and Brain , pp. 239 - 261Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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