Introduction
Understanding two languages, and often two cultures, gives bilinguals a broader perception of people and society: they are inherently more socially open and flexible and have a deep understanding that people do not always think alike. Alongside this practical advantage lies a neuro-cognitive one. Numerous studies have shown that bilinguals surpass monolinguals in cognitive skills such as executive function, creative problem solving, and metacognition (the ability to think about thinking).
Psychologists haven’t always seen bilingualism as providing social and cognitive benefits . . .