Demystifying Bilingualism. How Metaphor Guides Research towards Mythification

Abstract

Opinions on bilingualism have been as diverse as opposed among themselves throughout decades – while ideological notions have affected or defined certain approaches, it has become fundamental to acknowledge the process of transition: from old prejudices about the repercussions on a natural cognitive development to favoring the benefits gained by individuals involved in multilingual contexts. Demystifying Bilingualism illustrates several issues regarding the myths that have surrounded studies about the impact of bilingualism on cognition, from its ontological foundations, theory-building advances, and the role of metaphorical language into shaping these very myths.