Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>In this article, the cognitive effects of bilingualism and long‐term adaptations induced by bilingualism will be presented. We start from the view that bilingual language processing requires some type of cognitive control to juggle their multiple, co‐activated languages. Furthermore, we posit that navigating multiple languages in daily life is a cognitively taxing endeavor that can have long‐term effects on the cognitive system. To substantiate this view, we cover the pertinent factors that may lead to cognitive adaptations across the lifespan, present theories of bilingual language control and the mechanisms of nonverbal cognitive functioning, and highlight the control processes induced by various language usage contexts and settings. Moreover, we review selected research studies with children, young adults, and older adults. Finally, we cover current discussions and trends in the research field of bilingualism and executive function and include some recommendations for future directions in bilingualism research.</jats:p>