A paradigmatic shift in the relationship between bilingualism and creativity: Plurilingual creativity approach

Abstract This article delves into the intricacies of the relationship between bilingualism and creativity. It provides an overview of past research and examines its methodology. It introduces a multilingual creative cognition theoretical framework that focuses on the cognitive mechanisms underlying creative potential and how these mechanisms might benefit from an individual’s multilingual abilities. The link between multilingualism and creative potential is explained by multilingual developmental factors such as proficiency, age, and sociocultural context of language acquisition, as well as cognitive functions such as language-mediated concept activation, selective attention, code-switching, and metaphor. However, the multilingual creative cognition approach takes a narrow perspective. By synthesizing empirical evidence and theoretical insights, the article proposes a plurilingual creativity framework – a multifaceted approach that transcends traditional bilingualism and creative cognition frameworks. It underscores the significance of a comprehensive language repertoire, multicultural experiences, and intercultural competence as pivotal elements enriching various aspects of creative endeavor. The article also introduces the Plurilingual Intercultural Creative Keys educational program, which aims to develop plurilingual, intercultural, and creative capabilities in educational settings. Through a holistic analysis, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the relationship between linguistic and cultural diversity and creativity. It also suggests practical implications for fostering linguistic and creative skills in a globalized context.