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A new study: It's time to ignore the irrelevant things – just be bilingual
31.12.2023 04:10
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:21
If you can't ignore the irrelevant data easily, then try learning a new language - it might help!
A recent study suggests that individuals who speak two languages might have an advantage in shifting their attention between different tasks compared to those who speak only one language.
Let's see how it works.
A surprising study
The study examined how bilingual and monolingual individuals differ in terms of attentional control and ignoring irrelevant information.
Bilinguals were discovered to be more effective at disregarding irrelevant information, possibly due to their frequent language switching.
For instance, when conversing in Spanish, an English-Spanish speaker temporarily sets aside English but remains prepared to use it when needed.
Bilinguals demonstrated superior abilities in ignoring irrelevant information compared to monolinguals.
The study included functional monolinguals with limited experience in a foreign language and bilinguals who learned both languages at a young age.
Cognitive traits are adaptable and can change over time, so if a person stops using their second language, their cognition may also be affected.
Why it's important
The study shows the need for consistent methods in studying differences between monolinguals and bilinguals.
The research did not aim to show advantages or disadvantages, but learning a second language can always be beneficial in various ways.
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