The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism

DeLuca, Vince; Miller, David; Pliatsikas, Christos; Rothman, Jason

doi:10.1002/9781119387725

Cited by 21 publications

References 109 publications

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Bilingualism and Executive Functioning

Bruin¹

2023

The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics

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Speaking two or more languages requires a bilingual to choose the contextually appropriate language(s), select words in that language, and avoid interference from the language that is not currently in use. This is known as language control. Language‐control mechanisms may overlap with domain‐general control mechanisms that are also used for other, nonlanguage purposes such as not being distracted by irrelevant information or multitasking. Research has examined whether this may lead to better cognitive functioning in bilinguals as compared to monolinguals, for example, on tasks tapping into inhibition, switching, or attention. The results of this body of research are very mixed, with some finding that bilinguals are better at inhibiting irrelevant information or at switching between tasks. However, other studies find no differences between bi‐ and monolinguals. Recent meta‐analyses suggest that differences might be small at best and potentially limited to specific bilinguals or tasks. Ongoing research in this area has therefore shifted to better understanding the relationship between language control and executive control within bilinguals, with a focus on individual differences in how bilinguals use and switch between languages.

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Bilingualism and Executive Functioning

Bruin¹

2023

The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics

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Second Language Acquisition

2024

A Practical Guide to Second Language Teaching and Learning

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Enhanced activations in syntax-related regions for multilinguals while acquiring a new language

Umejima

Flynn

Sakai

2021

Sci Rep

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The neuroscientific foundation of multilingualism, a unique cognitive capacity, necessitates further elucidation. We conducted an fMRI experiment to evaluate the acquisition of syntactic features in a new language (Kazakh) for multilinguals and bilinguals. Results showed that the multilinguals who were more proficient in their second/third languages needed fewer task trials to acquire Kazakh phonology. Regarding group differences, the reduction in response times during the initial exposure to Kazakh were significantly larger for the multilinguals than the bilinguals. For the multilinguals, activations in the bilateral frontal/temporal regions were maintained at a higher level than the initial level during subsequent new grammar conditions. For the bilinguals, activations in the basal ganglia/thalamus and cerebellum decreased to the initial level each time. Direct group comparisons showed significantly enhanced activations for the multilinguals in the left ventral inferior frontal gyrus. These results indicate that both syntax-related and domain-general brain networks were more enhanced for the multilinguals. We also unexpectedly observed significant activations in the visual areas for the multilinguals, implying the use of visual representation even when listening to speech sounds alone. Because the multilinguals were able to successfully utilize acquired knowledge in an accumulated manner, the results support the cumulative-enhancement model of language acquisition.

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The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism

Cited by 21 publications

References 109 publications

Bilingualism and Executive Functioning

Bilingualism and Executive Functioning

Second Language Acquisition

Enhanced activations in syntax-related regions for multilinguals while acquiring a new language

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