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Part of
Multilingual Acquisition and Learning: An ecosystemic view to diversity
Edited by Elena Babatsouli
[Studies in Bilingualism 67] 2024
► pp. 36–59

Chapter 1
Multilingualism, creativity, and problem-solving

| Northwestern University
| Northwestern University
| Northwestern University
The chapter considers how language sparks discovery and innovation by examining creativity and problem-solving through the unique vantage point of multilingualism. The chapter begins with an overview of how creativity and problem-solving are operationalized and measured, followed by a review of how multilingualism impacts the ability to innovate and solve problems. The relationship between multilingualism and creativity is modulated by proficiency and age of second language acquisition. Similarly, performance on problem-solving tasks depends on which language multilinguals use and on their proficiency level in each language. The final section discusses multilingualism, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world settings, as well as potential future directions, concluding with the suggestion that knowing multiple languages can lead to more creative outcomes and better problem-solving skills.
Keywords: multilingualism, bilingualism, creativity, problem-solving
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Defining creativity and problem-solving
  • 3.Measuring creativity experimentally
  • 4.Measuring problem-solving: Associations with language and creativity
  • 5.Multilingualism and creative thinking
  • 6.Multilingualism and problem-solving
  • 7.Language, creativity, and problem-solving in the real world
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
Published online: 30 May 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.67.01chu
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