Do different languages train our brain in different ways? The discussion of typological distance and its influence in the bilingual brain

As we come to understand that a unified cognitive outcome of bilingualism is unlikely, attention is now more often directed to the factors that may leave an impact on the bilingual brain. One element that has started to receive attention is that of L1-L2 typological distance. In this presentation, I make the case that the scientific foundations to develop this line of inquiry are still not firm. I begin by arguing that the concept of ‘typological distance’ is overly generic and not firmly concretised in the realm of bilingualism research. Furthermore, discussions on how bilingual cognitive demands are formed as a result of L1-L2 typological distance, along with how such demands are connected to the aspect of skill, are fundamental yet underpowered. Finally, the significance of bilingual neural activity and neurostructural changes has yet to be concretised before conclusions on the influence of typological distance can be formed.