Executive functions in bilinguals and bidialectals: an analysis of comparative case studies

While bilingualism and its effects have been extensively documented and researched for years, bidialectalism represents a new unexplored horizon in the linguistics field. This paper begins by discussing some of the definitions given of bilingualism and describing some the phenomenon's cultural, social and psychological dynamics. It then goes on to describe the concept of language and dialect, determining their differences and similarities, and introducing the notions of diglossia and bidialectalism. Furthermore, it offers an overview on Italy’s linguistic case, particularly the relationship between their language and dialects. At last, this paper analyzes some of the recent comparative studies on executive functions in both bilinguals and bidialectals with the intent of determining whether they both present the same psychological implications when it comes to their speakers and their cognitive abilities.