Keywords

Second Language learners, language ability, cognitive development, communication

Abstract

Second language learners often express frustration over the reality that their limited second language (L2) skills prevent them from full participation in intellectual discussions, and some have exclaimed, “Hey, I’m smarter than I sound!” Those who have had this experience recognize that a relationship exists between one’s language ability and other’s perceptions of one’s cognitive abilities. In daily life, this relationship between language and cognition is so prevalent that it is often ignored, or the abilities are simply conflated. For example, calls by employers to improve the critical thinking skills of college graduates are typically exemplified by statements about language ability, such as the ability to speak and write accurately, coherently, and persuasively.

Original Publication Citation

Dewey, D., Clifford, R & Cox, T. (2015) L1, L2, and Cognitive Development: Exploring Relationships. In T. Brown and J. Bown (Eds.)To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Theory and Methods for Developing Superior Second-Language Ability, Georgetown University Press.