Bilingualism and crystallized intelligence: cognitive differences between monolingual and bilingual adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34019/1982-1247.2025.v19.41567

Keywords:

Bilingualism, Crystallized intelligence, Second language acquisition

Abstract

Linguistic competence in two languages (bilingualism) requires the individual to develop above average verbal cognitive skills, which fall under the broad ability of Crystallized Intelligence (Gc) within the CHC model of intelligence. Few studies in the literature explore the relationship between the two variables, a gap that the present work aims to fill. To verify how scores on crystallized intelligence tasks are related to bilingualism, the WAIS-III Verbal Comprehension Scale was used, testing 6 monolingual and 16 bilingual participants. A significant advantage of the bilingual group in the general and specific performance of the VCI was observed.

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Published

2026-02-21