Chapter 1. Multilingualism, creativity, and problem-solving

Abstract

The chapter considers how language sparks discovery and innovation by examining creativity and problem-solving through the unique vantage point of multilingualism. The chapter begins with an overview of how creativity and problem-solving are operationalized and measured, followed by a review of how multilingualism impacts the ability to innovate and solve problems. The relationship between multilingualism and creativity is modulated by proficiency and age of second language acquisition. Similarly, performance on problem-solving tasks depends on which language multilinguals use and on their proficiency level in each language. The final section discusses multilingualism, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world settings, as well as potential future directions, concluding with the suggestion that knowing multiple languages can lead to more creative outcomes and better problem-solving skills.