The European Association for Practitioner Research on Improving Learning , Valletta, Malta, 25 - 27 Kasım 2025, ss.8, (Özet Bildiri)
This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of early childhood bilingualism research published between 2015 and 2025. Drawing on data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC), it examines SSCI-indexed, English-language articles to map the intellectual and thematic development of the field. Using tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix R, the study analyzes publication trends, co-authorship networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrences. The research focuses on understanding how early bilingualism—the acquisition of two languages before age six—affects cognitive and linguistic development, especially in areas like executive functioning, cognitive flexibility, and language processing. Despite ongoing debates about possible delays in language acquisition, a growing body of literature highlights the cognitive advantages associated with early bilingual exposure. The study anticipates identifying dominant research clusters, including neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and bilingual education. It also aims to pinpoint key contributors, institutions, and countries driving this research forward. The findings are expected to show increasing scholarly attention and publication activity in recent years. Ultimately, this analysis offers a comprehensive overview of research trends and gaps, contributing to a deeper understanding of bilingualism’s role in early cognitive development and guiding future research and educational strategies.