scholarly journals Latent variable evidence on the interplay between language switching frequency and executive control in Spanish-Catalan bilinguals

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 912-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor A. Sanchez-Azanza ◽  
Raúl López-Penadés ◽  
Eva Aguilar-Mediavilla ◽  
Daniel Adrover-Roig
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Age Of Acquisition ◽  
Switching Frequency ◽  
Language Switching ◽  
Second Language Proficiency ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Impact

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: We characterized the impact of several bilingualism-related factors on the executive control of Spanish-Catalan bilinguals. Design/methodology/approach: Participants self-reported information regarding their age of acquisition, second language proficiency and frequency of natural language switching, and performed non-linguistic tasks tapping into specific executive control subcomponents, including inhibition, switching and updating. Data and analysis: Data were analyzed by means of a structural equation model (SEM) approach. Findings/conclusions: Results revealed that the frequency of natural language switching positively modulated the executive control performance of Spanish-Catalan bilinguals, while neither age of acquisition nor second language proficiency had an effect. Moreover, we found that the impact of natural language switching exerted general-processing influences, affecting all subcomponents of executive control. Findings are discussed in relation to context-specific effects on the cognitive system of a particular bilingual population. Originality: The current study applied an SEM approach to provide new evidence on the previously ambiguous relation between bilingualism-related factors and executive control. Significance/implications: Our findings suggest that the frequency of natural language switching does globally influence the executive control of Spanish-Catalan bilinguals.

Associations of natural language switching with executive control in early bilinguals

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1008-1019
Author(s):  
Raúl López-Penadés ◽  
Victor A. Sanchez-Azanza ◽  
Eva Aguilar-Mediavilla ◽  
Lucía Buil-Legaz ◽  
Daniel Adrover-Roig
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Interference Control ◽  
Language Switching ◽  
Working Memory Updating

AbstractThis study aimed at identifying linguistic factors that could contribute to understanding individual differences in executive control among bilinguals. Directionality and type of natural language switching, age of second language acquisition, and language proficiency were evaluated in a sample of 112 early bilingual adults. Participants performed several computerized tasks tapping into three dimensions of executive control: inhibition of interference, working memory updating, and shifting. Regression analyses showed that frequent switching to the second language was associated with more efficient executive processing, enhanced working memory updating processes, and better shifting ability. Moreover, higher frequency of unintended language switches was associated with lower interference control abilities. Frequency of language switching behavior was the principal predictor of executive control, beyond age of second language acquisition and language proficiency. Results suggest that frequent language switching is related to enhanced executive control, while the unintended switching of languages could be associated with low interference control.

scholarly journals The influence of language-switching experience on the bilingual executive control advantage

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
NELE VERREYT ◽  
EVY WOUMANS ◽  
DAVY VANDELANOTTE ◽  
ARNAUD SZMALEC ◽  
WOUTER DUYCK
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Simon Task ◽  
Control Performance ◽  
Language Switching ◽  
Second Language Proficiency ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Bilingual Advantage

In an ongoing debate, bilingual research currently discusses whether bilingualism enhances non-linguistic executive control. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of language-switching experience, rather than language proficiency, on this bilingual executive control advantage. We compared the performance of unbalanced bilinguals, balanced non-switching, and balanced switching bilinguals on two executive control tasks, i.e. a flanker and a Simon task. We found that the balanced switching bilinguals outperformed both other groups in terms of executive control performance, whereas the unbalanced and balanced non-switching bilinguals did not differ. These findings indicate that language-switching experience, rather than high second-language proficiency, is the key determinant of the bilingual advantage in cognitive control processes related to interference resolution.

scholarly journals Język a tożsamość. Język pierwszy, drugi i obcy a sukcesy i niepowodzenia szkolne

Neofilolog ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 7-24
Author(s):  
Hanna Komorowska
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
School System ◽  
School Context ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Second Language Proficiency ◽  
The Impact

The article investigates relationships between national/ ethnic identity and languages used in the school context. The impact of imposed, attributed, regained and selected identities on first and second language proficiency is analyzed on numerous examples drawn from the areas of history, literature and culture. Approaches to bi-and monolingualism and bi and monoculturalism are then presented with special emphasis on the role of stereotypes. Linguistic factors which influence success and failure are discussed vis-à-vis immigration and re-emigration. Attention is given to difficulties encountered by students using restricted L1 codes as well as to problems faced by pupils lacking proficiency in the language of schooling. Implications are sought for language education in the school system.

Perceived foreign accent in first language attrition and second language acquisition: The impact of age of acquisition and bilingualism—ERRATUM

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
HOLGER HOPP ◽  
MONIKA S. SCHMID
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Open Access ◽  
First Language ◽  
Age Of Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Accent ◽  
Language Attrition ◽  
First Language Attrition ◽  
The Impact

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