Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 8, 2026

Threshold hypothesis

The threshold hypothesis is a hypothesis concerning second language acquisition set forth in a study by Jim Cummins (1976), which states that a minimum threshold in language proficiency must be reached in both languages before a second-language speaker can reap the cognitive benefits of being bilingual. It also states that, in order to gain proficiency in a second language, the learner must also have passed a certain and age appropriate level of competence in his or her first language.

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Jun 8, 2026
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The threshold hypothesis is a hypothesis concerning second language acquisition set forth in a study by Jim Cummins (1976),1 which states that a minimum threshold in language proficiency must be reached in both languages before a second-language speaker can reap the cognitive benefits of being bilingual. It also states that, in order to gain proficiency in a second language, the learner must also have passed a certain and age appropriate level of competence in his or her first language.2

References

References

  1. Cummins J. (1976). The influence of bilingualism on cognitive growth: a synthesis of research findings and explanatory hypotheses. Work. Pap. Biling. 9, 1–43
  2. Charlotte Franson (2 May 2009). "Bilingual Language Acquisition" (PDF). National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum (NALDIC): ITTSEAL website. National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum.