What are the research benefits of being bilingual?

What are the research benefits of being bilingual?

Adapted from Californians Together: The California Campaign for Biliteracy MMED DL/Bilingual Programs

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Brain and Cognitive Benefits ✓ Develops COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY ✓ Builds MULTITASKING skills ✓ Delays DEMENTIA ✓ Improves MEMORY ✓ Increases PERCEPTION ✓ Increases DECISION-MAKING skills


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Academic Benefits ✓ Increases academic performance in subject areas and achievement tests ✓ Develops language awareness (Metalinguistics) ✓ Students can participate in the CA Seal of Biliteracy and LAUSD Biliteracy Awards ✓ Students can take advanced language courses Adapted from Californians Together: The California Campaign for Biliteracy MMED DL/Bilingual Programs

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Economic Benefits ✓ In addition to customary careers where bilingual skills are needed, knowledge of languages and cultures extends possibilities for employment in less traditional and more global careers around the world. ✓ These opportunities are even greater when that proficiency includes reading and writing capacity in English and other languages. Adapted from Californians Together: The California Campaign for Biliteracy MMED DL/Bilingual Programs

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Social Advantages and Cross-Cultural Competency ✓ Display more tolerance for, and more interest in other cultures ✓ Cultural awareness and competency is enhanced and empathy for other groups developed


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Stronger Family Cohesion and Heritage Connection ✓ Participate actively in both language worlds and to be bridge builders and translators for their families. ✓ Relationships to family are enhanced and access to the wisdom of their heritage culture is facilitated


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