Multilingualism and the Development of the Brain

Abstract

Multilingualism is merely a parametric variation in the faculty of natural language, and it is possible to simultaneously acquire multiple languages, including dialects, at any age. While acquisition of a native language, which occurs in synchrony with development of the brain, is a multiple-step process, second language acquisition is continuous. Here, we introduce the Cumulative-Enhancement model, which states that acquisition of one additional language is beneficial for the subsequent acquisition of another. We further discuss how syntax-related networks, including multiple language areas in the brain, become functional during the course of language acquisition.