Impact of Bilingualism on the Process of Learning a Foreign Language

Abstract

Objective: This paper addresses the impact of being bilingual on the process of learning a particular foreign language. In other words, it seeks to illuminate the positive aspects of bilinguals over monolinguals while learning foreign languages. Based on several studies in the field of language acquisition, it has been revealed that bilinguals tend to be more experienced and capable than monolinguals by virtue of their rich linguistic and cultural repertoire that they possess. Methodology: A group of bilingual and monolingual students at the university were sampled to find out the effect of bilingualism on the process of learning foreign languages. Questionnaires along with some tests were the main instruments employed in the analysis so as to examine the primary discrepancies between bilinguals and monolinguals in the learning outcomes. Findings: The findings highlight and account for the positive impact of being bilingual. Implications: Being exposed to an array of linguistic interactions within society does contribute in the development of a positive capacity, ability, willingness and aptitude in learning a new language.

Keywords

• Bilingualism
• Theories of bilingualism
• Proficiency