Bilingualism and Intelligence: An Examination with a View of Peal and Lambert's Study: The Relation of Bilingualism to Intelligence

Abstract

Bilingualism is based on a description of the linguistic situation in a speech community that consists of colloquial and standard language, ultimately resulting in the existence of two different languages that are used alternatively in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The acquisition of another language will cause changes on the brain. Studies have been inquiring into the pros and cons of having two or more different languages. The study of Peal and Lambert supported significant structural changes involved in the acquisition of another language form, and that it guaranteed the enhancement of intellectual capacity, cognitive ability, and intelligence. The present study aims to shed light on the effects of bilingualism on the intellectual functioning in the brain and the life of bilingual as a whole. It adopted the descriptive method of the relation of bilingualism to intelligence. The study concluded that bilingualism could enhance life by improving cognitive abilities. It recommends conducting further studies to explore bilingualism, intelligence, and other areas, including passive vs. active, sequential vs. simultaneous, and receptive vs. productive bilingualism.

Received: 3 April 2024 / Accepted: 13 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024