Unbalanced bilingualism: an insight into the positive effects of unequal linguistic exposure

This dissertation offers an analysis of the most relevant effects of bilingualism on individuals, notably the advantages and disadvantages of this linguistic experience. According to the data examined, bilingualism provides more efficient executive functions and metalinguistic awareness, stronger problem-solving and creative thinking capabilities, as well as higher self-esteem, self-confidence and mutual respect for ethnic differences, even if some scholars argue that it shows vocabulary deficit in the languages used. The research then moves to a more restricted area of study, i.e. unbalanced bilingualism, by offering an overview on the circumstances when it can occur and the beneficial outcomes it has on individuals. In order to show how the early acquisition of two languages can benefit the individual enormously, despite unequal mastery in both of them, my personal experience and that of a sample of seven interviewees was investigated.