Mental control of the bilingual lexico-semantic system

Abstract

This paper aims to foster discussion of the means by which bilinguals control their two language systems. It proposes an inhibitory control (IC) model that embodies the principle that there are multiple levels of control. In the model a language task schema (modulated by a higher level of control) “reactively” inhibits potential competitors for production at the lemma level by virtue of their language tags. The IC model is used to expand the explanation of the effect of category blocking in translation proposed by Kroll and Stewart (1994), and predictions of the model are tested against other data. Its relationship to other proposals and models is considered and future directions proposed.

Neural bases of asymmetric language switching in second-language learners: An ER-fMRI study

“…The ACC is activated by many different cognitive tasks, including the selection of appropriate response in tasks of selective attention as well as in the monitoring of responses for errors (Badgaiyan and Posner, 1998;Botvinick et al, 1999Botvinick et al, , 2001Veen et al, 2001). Therefore, it seemed that language switching involved the inhibitory control function, just as Green (1986Green ( , 1998 proposed.…”

“…In contrast, the other type of models assumes that the lexical selection mechanism is not specific to a given language (e.g., Green, 1986Green, , 1998Hermans et al, 1998;Poulisse and Bongaerts, 1994; also see Costa and Santesteban, 2004). According to these models, words in both languages are activated and the individual has to consider all activated lexical nodes, irrespective of the language to which they belong.…”

“…According to the Inhibitory Control (IC) model (Green, 1986(Green, , 1998, differential levels of activation in the two lexicons are achieved by the involvement of an inhibitory control mechanism. Specifically, the IC model assumes that lexical selection in bilingual speakers entails the reactive inhibition of lexical items belonging to the unintended or non-response language (Green, 1986(Green, , 1998; also see Santesteban, 2004 andPrice et al, 1999). That is, in order to produce words in one language, bilingual speakers must inhibit the schema for word production in the other language.…”

“…The amount of inhibition would depend on two factors: the level of activation of the words that need to be suppressed, and the speakersT proficiency level in the non-response language (Green, 1986(Green, , 1998; also see Costa and Santesteban, 2004).…”

The role of age of acquisition and language usage in early, high‐proficient bilinguals: An fMRI study during verbal fluency

“…It is well known from psycholinguistic studies that exercise, usage, and experience may increase performance in L2 production and comprehension (Green, 1998). All this is applicable to late bilinguals, and all late bilingual speakers are well aware of these phenomena.…”