Analyzing the Effects of Second Language Acquisition on Children’s Cognitive Development

School of English Studies, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, 200083, China

^* Corresponding author: 0201119036@shisu.edu.cn

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of second language acquisition (SLA) on children’s cognitive development in recent years by reviewing the literature. In an increasingly globalized world, children are more intend to be exposed to a bilingual or even multilingual environment, and scholars have been paying more attention to the effects and trends of SLA on children’s cognitive development. The article selected related literature over the past decade to see the current views of the academia. Most scholars believe that SLA is beneficial to children’s cognitive development, promoting brain development, fostering multidimensional learning patterns, and improving memory and concentration. However, a few studies suggest that SLA may hinder children’s cognitive development. Based on this, the authors provide suggestions from three dimensions, namely, language environment, family and society, and culture, to better utilize the advantages of SLA for children’s cognitive development. This study contributes to advancing the understanding of the relationship between second language learning and cognitive development, and helps to better use the second language learning as a catalyst for cognitive development.