Studying the effect of bilingualism on cognitive brain functions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Humanities dept.Farhangian University ,Tehran,Iran.

2 Linguistics Dept. Payam Nur University Tehran ,Iran.

3 Payam Nur University

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bilingualism on the brain’s four core cognitive functions—visual, memory, logical, and computational—in relation to learning and academic achievement among monolingual and bilingual female students. Specifically, the research sought to address the debated question of whether bilingualism is beneficial or detrimental to these cognitive domains. To this end, 40 female second-grade middle school students (20 Persian-Kurdish bilinguals and 20 Persian monolinguals) were selected from Umm-e Kulthum and Zainab Kubra schools in Iavan. The Stanford-Binet and Theodor-Simon tests were used to assess visual functioning; the Stanford-Binet test measured memory performance; and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale was employed to evaluate both logical reasoning and computational abilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results indicated a significant difference in visual performance between the two groups, with monolingual students demonstrating superior visual functioning compared to their bilingual peers. However, no significant differences were found in memory, logical, or computational performance between monolingual and bilingual students, suggesting that bilingualism does not adversely affect—and in this sample, did not enhance—these specific cognitive domains.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 09 February 2026

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