Whilst the main focus of this review would be how individual differences can affect the acquisition of a second language, a possible question to consider based on what has been discussed would be that: is acquiring a second language, and being proficient at it, really that important?

The studies that have been discussed seem to have the common agreement that bilinguals and multilinguals seem to be at more of an advantage when acquiring a new language, as compared to monolinguals. This is as monolinguals are only familiar with one set of linguistic structures, and also taking into account the ‘more advanced’ individual differences that have been discussed in detail of bilinguals and multilinguals, In addition, there are arguments to this effect that are based both on the advantages of being bilingual and the disadvantages of having only one language in one’s back pocket. Studies have shown that bilinguals tend to be more creative and learning two languages could even delay the onset of dementia (Madhav, Anand, Swapna, & Sangeetha, 2012).

However, there are opposing arguments proposing that the mastery of one language enables individuals to be that much more focused, and hence, being more proficient at the acquisition of that language.

As the world becomes smaller with globalisation, there exists a motivation to be able to communicate in more than one’s own language, perhaps in multiple new languages, therefore calling out the importance of learning a new language. Furthermore, the degree of mastery of a language conveys competence and credibility to others, and therefore serves as an incentive in itself as well.