For several decades, experts in the field of Linguistics have debated  the benefits and disadvantages of bilingualism or multilingualism in the development of children. From a cognitive perspective, some argue that bilingualism may delay or negatively affect the linguistic development of a child. However, most linguists nowadays support the idea that bilingualism does not only provide the skills to communicate fluently and effectively in two languages, but it also enhances other cognitive abilities, such as working memory, and it may help prevent certain illnesses. Chris Berube, blogger at radiolab.org, wrote a blog post a couple of weeks ago on this topic: Mapping the Bilingual Brain. Having consulted with currently very relevant researchers such as Ellen Bialystok and Cathy Price, Berube makes some points about the “wiring” of the brain of a bilingual or multilingual person, such as the increased ability of sorting information in busy environments, and the importance of learning two or more languages from an early age.

These positive effects have been extensively studied in the area of Linguistics from multiple perspectives, also with much evidence from the area of Bilingual and Bicultural Education. Some leading voices in the field, such as Ofelia García, suggest that, along with language abilities, there are other cultural and personal abilities that are heightened in bilingual and multilingual learners.Languages are not only channels of communication, they also capture ideas, values and frameworks around which their speakers build their interactions and descriptions of their environment. With the proper sensitivity, those raised in bilingual and multilingual environments can be more likely to bond with cultures similar to those of their languages, find ways to communicate ideas overcoming language barriers, or holding greater tolerance to different beliefs, behaviors or traditions.

The relation between bilingualism and intercultural learning is very close and direct and both develop similar abilities. Of the many factors that influence our intercultural abilities, language is one not to be ignored.