The Mysteries of Bilingualism: Unresolved Issues

Review
"The Mysteries of Bilingualism is an engaging and user-friendly discussion of some of the significant issues surrounding bilingualism that have pre-occupied researchers and perplexed laypersons for many years." - Fred Genesee (2022), Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, DOI: 10.1080/01434632.2022.2098914
“In every respect, this book is a well-timed contribution to bilingualism. It highlights some pending questions about bilingualism, which shed light on future studies to explore the unsettled issues inthis domain.” - Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2022.2133127
Eleven critical issues in the study of bilingualism: Insightful analyses by renowned expert François Grosjean
The majority of people living around the world today are able to speak more than one language, yet many aspects of the nature and experience of bilingualism raise unresolved questions for researchers. Who exactly is bilingual? What is the extent of bilingualism? How do infant bilinguals who acquire two languages at the same time manage to separate them? Does language processing work differently when bilinguals are interacting with monolinguals and with bilinguals? When a speaker changes their language, do they also change aspects of their personality?
In The Mysteries of Bilingualism, eminent scholar François Grosjean provides a comprehensive examination of individual bilingualism that delves into unanswered questions and challenges many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding bilingualism. Through insightful analyses of eleven key questions, this book offers a unique combination of personal reflection, literature review, personal testimony, and case studies to explore these mysteries. Altogether, this text offers: Comprehensive explorations of the linguistic aspects of bilingualism, including who is bilingual, describing bilinguals, accented speech, and language loss Practical discussions of speech and language processing, including language choice and mixed speech perception and production In-depth examinations of personality and culture in relation to bilingualism and biculturalism
Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students of bilingualism, multilingualism, second language acquisition, and applied linguistics, The Mysteries of Bilingualism offers an up-to-date view of the leading research questions in the study of bilingualism today.
From the Back Cover
“From the mechanics of language processing to the lived realities of identity and cultural affiliation, Grosjean redefines bilingualism as a practice, intricately shaped by language use and loss.”
Alene Moyer, Professor Emerita, University of Maryland
“François Grosjean artfully presents a complex set of key questions pertaining to the study of bilingualism in a highly readable and engaging manner. The book is rich in information, including a lively presentation of the topics central to each chapter, and helpful details of selected studies to illustrate the state-of-the-art research on each theme addressed. His personal yet scientific style makes this probing book accessible to readers at all levels.”
Mira Goral, Lehman College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York
“This book provides comprehensive answers to difficult issues regarding bilingualism. It discusses a wide range of topics ranging from language use and language processing for bilinguals, to biculturalism and change of personality. Readers will hear the voice of Professor Grosjean about his personal journey as a bilingual. Anyone who is interested in bilingualism should read the book. A landmark contribution to the field.”
Ying-yi Hong, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The majority of people living around the world today are able to speak more than one language, yet many aspects of the nature and experience of bilingualism raise unresolved questions for researchers. Who exactl