Kinestema: Driving Bilingualism Through Innovation

Kinestema was present at the 2024 Conference of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education. At our booth, attendees could get a close look at our full range of products and services designed to facilitate bilingual literacy in Spanish.

But that wasn't all. We also organized a conference on 'Reading and Writing through Kinesthemas using our Kinestem program'. In this presentation, we explored how our unique methodology can help students learn to read and write effectively and enjoyably.

Did you know there are different types of bilingualism? In our entry, we'll delve deeper into this topic.

What is bilingualism?

Bilingualism is defined as the ability to use two languages alternately. This skill not only involves knowledge of two languages but also the ability to switch between them according to context and need.

Are all bilinguals the same?

There are several types of bilingualism:

• Compound vs. coordinate bilingualism: Compound bilingualism refers to the integration of two languages in the speaker's mind, where both languages are interrelated. In contrast, coordinate bilingualism involves the use of two languages separately, where each language is associated with specific contexts or situations.

• Simultaneous vs. successive bilingualism: Simultaneous bilingualism occurs when a person learns two languages from infancy, while successive bilingualism refers to the acquisition of a second language after mastering the first.

• Additive vs. subtractive bilingualism: In additive bilingualism, the acquisition of a second language adds to the mother tongue without the latter being affected. On the contrary, subtractive bilingualism can lead to the loss of the mother tongue, as the second language becomes dominant.

• Balanced vs. dominant bilingualism: Balanced bilingualism occurs when the speaker has a similar level of proficiency in both languages. In contrast, dominant bilingualism is characterized by greater mastery of one language over the other.

Is it cognitively beneficial?

Bilingualism not only has linguistic implications but is also associated with several cognitive benefits:

• Greater cognitive flexibility and creativity: Bilinguals tend to show a greater capacity for flexible and creative thinking, as switching between languages fosters innovation in thought.

• Better attentional control and executive functions (1): Bilingual speakers often have better attention control and executive skills, allowing them to manage multiple tasks more effectively.

• Superior metalinguistic development: Bilingualism promotes a deeper understanding of language structure and function, resulting in more advanced metalinguistic development.

• Possible delay in the onset of dementia symptoms: Some studies suggest that bilingualism may be related to a delay in the onset of dementia symptoms, indicating a protective effect on cognitive health in old age.

Factors Influencing Cognitive Effects

Several factors can modulate the cognitive effects of bilingualism:

• Age of second language acquisition: The age at which a second language is learned can influence fluency and associated cognitive benefits.

• Level of proficiency in both languages: A high level of proficiency in both languages can maximize cognitive benefits.

• Frequency of language use: Regular practice of both languages is crucial to maintain and develop linguistic and cognitive skills.

• Sociocultural context: The environment in which the language is learned and used also plays an important role in the development of bilingualism and its cognitive effects.

What are the Educational Implications?

Bilingual education programs can offer significant cognitive and academic benefits for students, provided they are implemented properly. Bilingual education not only improves language skills but can also enhance academic performance in other areas, promoting more comprehensive and effective learning.

1. Executive skills are a set of cognitive functions that allow people to plan, make decisions, solve problems, control impulses, and carry out complex tasks. These skills are fundamental for daily functioning and are primarily regulated by the frontal lobe of the brain.