INTENS (International Journal of English Education and Linguistics)
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): INTENS 5

Bilingualism and Cognition: An Annotated Bibliography on the Impact of Bilingualism on Brain Function and Cognitive Abilities

Azzawiyatul Annajiyah (Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo)
Azlin Azlina (Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo)
Ken Izzun Nadhifah (Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo)
Luthfiyah Rahma Ahmadany (Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo)
Masyitah Noviyanti (Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo)
Azzawiyatul Annajiyah<br> Azlin Azlina<br> Ken Izzun Nadhifah<br> Luthfiyah Rahma Ahmadany<br> Masyitah Noviyant (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jan 2026

Abstract

Bilingualism has received increasing attention in cognitive science and applied linguistics due to its potential influence on brain function and cognitive abilities across the lifespan. This study aims to examine how bilingualism is conceptualized and discussed in relation to cognition, executive control, and neural adaptation through a structured annotated bibliography. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, this study reviews and critically evaluates ten selected scholarly sources, including journal articles, book chapters, and review studies, using document analysis to identify their objectives, theoretical frameworks, methods, key findings, and scholarly contributions. The results indicate that bilingualism is consistently portrayed as a cognitively demanding experience that engages executive control and attentional systems, leading to adaptive changes in cognitive and neural functioning rather than simple transfer effects. However, the reviewed literature also reveals considerable variability in cognitive outcomes, influenced by factors such as age of acquisition, language proficiency balance, and patterns of language use. In conclusion, this annotated bibliography demonstrates that the cognitive effects of bilingualism are complex, context-dependent, and shaped by individual bilingual experiences. The originality of this study lies in its systematic organization and critical evaluation of influential works on bilingualism and cognition, providing a coherent overview that clarifies ongoing debates and offers implications for future research in cognitive science, linguistics, and educational contexts.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

intens

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

INTENS (International Journal of English Education and Linguistics) E-ISSN: 3089-2384, is an academic journal published every January and July is published by English Language Education Study Programe of Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri. Its main aim ...