Bilingualism is the ability to speak two languages. The children, whose parents or close surrounding environments speak in two languages, become bilingual in the course of time such as French and dialectal German in Alsace. Also social setting has a great impact on bilingualism. For example, while staying in British India, the British children used to learn Indian language from their caregivers, nurses and servants. Also in school setting, it can be acquired as a second language. Hence, it is clear that bilingualism is dependent on the factors like family members, school, community, society and culture. The most frequently used language is called dominant language which may change depending on the frequency and duration of use. Recent research on bilingualism suggests that there is a cognitive advantage associated to bilingualism by affirming that "positive cognitive gains are linked with learning a second language in childhood" (Lisa Chipongian, 2000: BrainConnection.com).
