Have you experienced switching between languages naturally while you were talking? This smooth switch? It’s called code-switching. But did you know it can actually influence your brain’s cognitive control and flexibility? First things first, we need to understand the definition of code-switching. Code-switching happens when someone who speaks two languages switches between them while talking. For example, someone can say, “Eh, aku mau yang rasa matcha, but I think it’s too expensive”. From this sentence, you can see how the person is using two languages within a single sentence.

What about the definition of cognitive control? Cognitive control is basically the brain’s ability to manage thoughts and actions to get stuff done. It helps us focus, ignore distractions, and jump between tasks easily. For bilinguals, constantly managing two languages exercises this mental “muscle.” Studies show that bilinguals who frequently code-switch develop stronger cognitive control and flexibility. This means they can get better at switching between tasks quickly, ignoring irrelevant information, and adapting to new or unexpected situations. Code-switching creates a mental workout where the brain practices juggling two language systems, making it more efficient at handling complex demands. 

Imagine a bilingual student switching from Indonesian to English during a class discussion, then jumping back to chat with friends in Indonesian. This back-and-forth trains their brain to be more alert and adaptable. Over time, it can improve their multitasking skills and problem-solving abilities. It also challenges the old stereotype that mixing languages is a sign of confusion or lack of mastery. So when we understand how code-switching affects our brain, we see that being bilingual isn’t just about speaking two languages, it’s a full-on brain boost!

Content Writer: Paulina Angelica Putri