Chapter 1
Rewiring the control room: how languages reshape brain anatomy
Chapter 2
The ultimate air traffic controller: mastering mental agility
Chapter 3
The ultimate backup generator: shielding the aging brain
Chapter 4
The social chameleon: how multiple languages change the way we see others
Ch 4 · The social chameleon: how multiple languages change the way we see others
duolingo Bilingualism boosts Theory of Mind, the social-cognitive milestone where children realize others have unique beliefs, desires, and knowledge.
Quiz
Why do bilingual children naturally get early practice in developing a Theory of Mind?
Fun Fact
Personality shift: Many bilinguals report feeling more assertive, creative, or even humorous depending on which language they are currently speaking.
duolingo The Sally-Anne test measures how bilingualism accelerates Theory of Mind development
Quiz
In the classic Sally-Anne test, what cognitive ability is being measured in young children?
Quiz
Where does a child with a fully developed Theory of Mind say Sally will look for her marble?
Glossary
theory of mind (noun)
The cognitive capacity to attribute mental states to oneself and others, recognizing that other people have different beliefs and desires. Albert Costa showed that multilingual children develop this perspective-taking ability earlier by navigating different language systems.
The cognitive capacity to attribute mental states to oneself and others, recognizing that other people have different beliefs and desires. Albert Costa showed that multilingual children develop this perspective-taking ability earlier by navigating different language systems.
Quiz
What did studies of bilingual Mexican-Americans show when they took personality tests in English versus Spanish?
Quiz
What do psycholinguists call the phenomenon where bilinguals feel like different people depending on the language they use?
Gossip
Do you feel like your personality changes slightly when you use different emojis or slang?
Quiz
According to the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, what social trait is higher in bilingual children?