Psychology is a complexly interwoven study of the brain and behaviour, encompassing cognitive, social,
and biological research. This literature review investigates the psychology of multilingualism, aiming to
clarify the debate concerning whether multilingualism is beneficial or limiting for a variety of different
psychological features, including self-expression and cognitive function. Self-expression includes
emotional expression and personality; an individual's pattern of thinking, feeling and behaviour. Cognitive
function includes the mental processes involved in comprehension, memory, and reasoning.
Despite extensive research, there remains limited consensus, with most studies suggesting a positive
relationship between multilingualism and cognitive function, while others suggest a negative relationship
for emotional and self-expression. It is suggested that these challenges stem from emotionality, fluency,
social norms, and cultural nuances that may not be transferable through multiple languages. However,
the research in this field often makes assumptive generalisations that fail to recognise the influence of
individual experiences.
By reviewing historical and recent research, this work concludes that language is intricately linked with
emotion, culture, self-expression, social connectivity and relatability. The findings suggest that presenting
multilingualism as solely positive or negative is redundant, and reductive of its interconnected complexity.
The literature tends to favour the positives regarding cultural inclusivity, cognitive function and
neurological-related health benefits. Developing an understanding of the psychology of multilingualism is
crucial for human communication and the numerous interconnected aspects of politics, education, law,
ethics, travel, and tourism. Cross-cultural understanding is essential for social and cultural functionality
within modern society.