THE IMPACT OF BILINGUALISM ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS RELEVANT TO TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING

Abstract

This review synthesizes contemporary research on bilingualism and its cognitive processes with a focus on implications for Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies (CTIS). It explores the dynamic nature of the bilingual mental lexicon, cognitive control mechanisms underlying language regulation, and the unique cognitive profiles of translators and interpreters. The evidence highlights both cognitive advantages such as enhanced executive functioning and challenges including increased cognitive load during language switching. By integrating linguistic, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives, this review underscores how bilingualism shapes translation and interpreting performance. Practical recommendations for CTIS training and directions for future research on individual and contextual variability are also discussed, aiming to bridge cognitive theory and professional practice in multilingual communication contexts