Scientific article
English

Multilingualism and creativity: a multivariate approach

Published inJournal of multilingual and multicultural development, vol. 39, no. 4, p. 341-355
Publication date2017-10-23
First online date2017-10-23
Abstract

This paper proposes a contribution to the investigation of the relation between multilingualism and creativity. Past evidence of a correlation between multilingualism and creativity is reviewed in a generalist perspective, that is, without focusing on a specific population such as migrants or highly proficient bilinguals. This review is also anchored in contemporary cognitive psychology and specialised research on creativity, allowing for a consideration of different levels and domains of creativity, as well as a distinction between creative potential and manifest creativity. On this basis, we test various hypotheses with a sample of 596 participants, using multiple regressions that incorporate several control variables. Key results show that L2 skills are systematically and positively related to virtually all indicators of creativity. Additional results reveal effects of other linguistic variables, along with effects of control variables related to cultural diversity (travelling and experience of living abroad), as well as interactions between linguistic and control variables. These results are contrasted with earlier findings and then discussed in terms of language policy implications and perspectives for future research.

Keywords
  • Multilingualism
  • Plurilingualism
  • Creativity
  • Advantages of bilingualism
Funding
  • European Commission - MIME - MOBILITY AND INCLUSION IN MULTILINGUAL EUROPE [613344]
Citation (ISO format)
FUERST, Guillaume, GRIN, François. Multilingualism and creativity: a multivariate approach. In: Journal of multilingual and multicultural development, 2017, vol. 39, n° 4, p. 341–355. doi: 10.1080/01434632.2017.1389948
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0143-4632
283views
1downloads

Technical informations

Creation09/03/2022 10:19:00
First validation09/03/2022 10:19:00
Update16/03/2023 02:53:00
Status update16/03/2023 02:52:59
Last indexation01/11/2024 01:10:49
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack