FOR NJOSH ONLY

To Be a Bilingual

Ⅰ. Problem

When a civilization began make contact with another civilization, bilinguals have become more and more important. From then to now, the study of bilingualism has never stopped. Early research of bilinguals focused on its negative impact and these studies tend to have inadequate research methodology. In this case, according to Macnamara JT, “bilingualism and second-language acquisition early in life confused children and interfered with their ability to develop normal cognitive functions and succeed in educational environments” (225). But the recent studies on bilinguals are more comprehensive considering both its positive and negative effects on cognition. For example, as it is stated in Moskowitz’s article, “Learning a Second Language Protects Against Alzheimer's,” one study indicates that dementia performance of monolinguals showed about four years earlier than bilinguals. It means bilingualism has a protective effect against cognitive decline. And we know that in the world, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in aged people is fairly high. From the report “2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures”, published by Alzheimer's Association, “among people age 70, 61 percent of those with Alzheimer's are expected to die before the age of 80 compared with 30 percent of people without Alzheimer's” (2). We know that currently Alzheimer's disease is considered a neurodegenerative, cognitive declining disease. So the question is: how effectively can people prevent and treat this disease? Since the research shows that bilingualism can prevent cognitive decline because it can strength the cognitive ability in the process of learning a second language, but knowing how to persuade people to learn a second language can be a bit difficult. Another question is, at any stage of life, whether learning a second language has the same useful effects on cognitive decline? In this specific case, as it is stated in Bialystok’s article, "Consequences of bilingualism for cognitive development,” whenever you begin to learn a second language, it’s advantages of cognition are similar. Overall, my claim is that people should keep learning a second, or third language as long as you're able because bilingualism is a cognitive miracle rather than just a second language.

Ⅱ. Approach

For this op-ed, I will use the solution approach and the problem is how to prevent cognitive decline as we get older. First I want to inform people why they should care about this problem by stating the Alzheimer’s disease facts and it’s severity. Also, I will use some credible research reports tell people that bilingualism really has a positive impact on human cognitive abilities. Then, people need to be informed that it is too late to learn a second language when you are old, especially when cognitive abilities begin to decline. And the positive effect of bilingualism is consistent from infancy to old age as long as you do not forget this language. In addition to this, I will talk about some of the other benefits of learning a second language, for example, you can learn about another national culture. So by all means, the best also the most worth solution for my problem is learning a second language.

Ⅲ. Audience

My audience will be monolingual people. I am going to use the rhetorical appeals I have learned to make my op-ed more effective. For pathos, I will use some some possible results caused by cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness, unresponsive brain, and even suffering from Alzheimer's disease. For logos, I am planning to use some credible experiments mentioned in my sources to support my opinion: learning a second language really has the capacity to protect cognitive decline. For Ethos, I will properly cite my sources in order to support my claims.

Ⅴ. Counterargument

Some people may argue that the positive influence on cognitive ability may be caused by the process of learning, not just learning a second language. In this case, I will use the method of concession: indeed, there are many ways to improve cognitive power, but Ellen Bialystok, in her article “Cognitive And Linguistic Processing In The Bilingual Mind,” explains that the most effective method is learning a second language because speaking every word is a result of selection and this process of selection can strength the memory and executive function in the brain. However, there are some other methods such as take up a new hobby, read actively, and solve puzzles, these methods only can enhance your memory temporarily and it will not effective for a long time. In contrast, the second language is effective unless you forget it.

Ⅵ. Conclusion

Learning a second language is more than just a second language. It is the most effective prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Everyone will try to prevent cognitive decline after they know the Alzheimer's prevalence and severity. And, everyone will understand the bilingual’s function of cognitive abilities, especially for the aged people. In addition to this, they will know many other benefits of learning a second language.

Works Cited

Bialystok, E. Consequences of bilingualism for cognitive development. In: Kroll JF, de Groot AMB, editors. Handbook of bilingualism: Psycholinguistic approaches. Oxford University Press; New York: 2005. pp. 417–32.

Bialystok, Ellen, and Fergus I. M. Craik. "Cognitive And Linguistic Processing In The Bilingual Mind." Current Directions In Psychological Science (Sage Publications Inc.) 19.1 (2010): 19-23. Academic Search Complete. Web. 26 May 2016.

"Latest Alzheimer's Facts And Figures". Latest Facts & Figures Report | Alzheimer's Association. N.p., 2013. Web. 8 June 2016.

Macnamara, JT. Bilingualism and primary education: a study of Irish experience. Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh University Press; 1966.

Moskowitz, Clara. "Learning A Second Language Protects Against Alzheimer's". Live Science. N.p., 2011. Web. 8 June 2016.

Willis, Judy. "Bilingual Brains – Smarter & Faster". Psychology Today. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 May 2016.