The bilingual cognitive advantage Recent research has highlighted the beneficial effects of bilingualism on cognitive linguistic abilities in two major areas: metalinguistic awareness and 'EF (Bialystok, et al., 2012). However, these large domains do not constitute unitary systems; they include subcategories. This article sheds light on them, while discussing cognitive control in depth in the next section. Metalinguistic awareness Metalinguistic awareness refers to “the ability to manipulate linguistic units and reflect on the structural properties of language” (Kuo et al, 2011). Since it is not a unitary component (Bialystok, 2001), research always classifies it into subcomponents. The majority of research focuses on specific aspects of linguistic structure. Thus, divide metalinguistic awareness into four components: lexical, phonological, syntactic and semantic awareness (Chin & Wigglesworth, 2007). Considering the fact that metalinguistic awareness is not a single unit; different aspects of metalinguistic awareness reveal different correlates. While research on lexical awareness supports monolingual superiority (Chin & Wigglesworth, 2007), studies on phonological awareness show discrepancies (Adesope et.al, 2010). It follows that not all research findings support bilingual superiority in all metalinguistic aspects. Some report a disadvantage or lack of difference between monolinguals and bilinguals, despite the fact that null significance is rare because journals are more interested in dramatic findings (Bialystok, 2001; Adesope et.al, 2010). Executive functionsThis umbrella term compromises “various complex cognitive processes.” and sub-processes (Elliott, 2003). It refers to "the set of abilities that allow an individual to select an action that suits them...... middle of paper ......ya, J., & Bialystok, E. (2011) . The effects of bilingualism on the executive functioning of toddlers. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 108(3), 567-579. Pratte, MS, Rouder, JN, Morey, RD, & Feng, C. (2010). Explore the differences in distribution properties between the Stroop and Simon effects using delta plots. Attention, perception and psychophysics, 72(7), 2013-2025.Simon, JR (1969). Reactions towards the source of stimulation. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 81, 174-176. Stroop, J.R. (1935). Interference studies in serial verbal reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 18: 643-662. Werker, J.F. and Byers-Heinlein, K. (2008). Bilingualism in children: first steps in perception and understanding. Trends in Cognitive Science, 12(4), 144-151.Yoshida, H. (2008). The cognitive consequences of early bilingualism. From zero to three, 29(2), 26-30.