Abstract:

Researchers consider that, at present, almost half of the persons worldwide are bilingual or live within a bilingual environment and the number of bilingual people is continually increasing. Bilinguality may display various forms, each of them influencing communication as well as the cognitive function of the individuals. After reviewing a series of bilinguality forms, the paper sets forth the manner human communication and the cognitive function of the individuals are influenced by them. Therefore, the present paper starts with defining bilinguality according to different principles and criteria and subsequently examines the impact on cognitive functions. To support the research, the paper presents arguments from the results of a pilot study conducted in two counties in Romania (Sibiu County and Hunedoara County), where cohabiting minorities live and where there are also teaching programs in foreign languages (from kindergarten to university). Our study focuses on two main directions: natural and artificial (or educational) bilinguality. The study includes quantitative, survey data, obtained in 2023 from 200 high school graduates, through questionnaire-based surveys. Thus, the study analyzes the options of the high school graduates, who attended teaching in a language other than Romanian, after completing their studies. Beyond the inventory of data types and dimensions covered by this research, a detailed analysis of the responses generated by each item was performed. Thus, the theoretical analysis performed in this study is complemented by a methodological analysis that facilitates the establishing of the linguistic competence in both languages, while analysing its effect upon intellectual functions.

Keywords:

Bilinguality, bilingual, languages, identity, communication.