Recent research based on comparisons between bilinguals and monolinguals postulates that bilingualism enhances cognitive control functions, because the parallel activation of languages necessitates interference. In a novel approach we investigated two groups bilinguals, distinguished by their susceptibility to cross-language interference, asking whether with strong language abilities ("non-switchers") have an advantage in executive functions (inhibition irrelevant information, problem...

Language switching is omnipresent in bilingual persons. In fact, the ability to switch languages (code switching) a very fast, efficient and flexible process which seems be fundamental aspect of language processing. Here we aimed characterize individual differences psychometrically create reliable measure this behavioral pattern by introducing Bilingual Switching Questionnaire (BSWQ). As working hypothesis based on previous literature code decomposed into four constructs: (i) L1 tendencies...

Multilingual speakers are faced with the problem to keep their languages apart, but do so interindividually varying success. Cognitive control abilities might be an important factor explain such interindividual differences. Here we compare two late, balanced and highly proficient bilingual groups (mean age 24 years, L1 Russian, L2 German) which were established according language on a picture-naming task. One group had difficulties remain in instructed target switched unintentionally...

Due to their multifunctionality, tablets offer tremendous advantages for research on handwriting dynamics or interactive use of learning apps in schools. Further, the widespread tablet computers has had a great impact current generation. But, is it advisable teach how write and assess pre- primary schoolchildren rather than paper? Since not automatized before age 10 years, children's movements require graphomotor visual feedback as well permanent control movement execution during...

Although all bilinguals encounter cross-language interference (CLI), some are more susceptible to than others. Here, we report on language performance of late (Russian/German) two bilingual tasks (interview, verbal fluency), their use and switching habits. The only between-group difference was CLI: one group consistently produced significantly errors CLI both the other (thereby replicating our findings from a picture naming task). This striking in control ability can be explained by...

Abstract This review scrutinizes the evidence concerning factors that affect ease with which multilinguals learn additional languages. First, I focus on language learning experiences could help acquire new languages (e.g., consequences of exposure, use prior knowledge, biliteracy). then discuss how manage multiple and struggle control problems. By finally shedding more light onto effects brain ways it adapts to higher processing demands when having languages, becomes clear key understanding...

Early acquisition of a second language influences the development abilities and cognitive functions. In present study, we used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to investigate impact early bilingualism on organization cortical network during sentence production. Two groups adult multilinguals, proficient in three languages, were tested narrative task; multilinguals acquired before age years, late after nine. All participants learned third nine years age. Comparison two revealed...

We aimed at unveiling the role of executive functions (EFs) and language-related skills in spelling for mono- versus multilingual primary school children. focused on EF skills, particular lexicon size phonological awareness (PA), because these factors were found to predict studies predominantly conducted with monolinguals, multilingualism can modulate factors. There is evidence (a) a

Abstract Matching participants (as suggested by Hope, 2015) may be one promising option for research on a potential bilingual advantage in executive functions (EF). In this study we first compared performances three EF-tasks of naturally heterogeneous sample monolingual (n = 69, age 9.0 y) and multilingual children 57, 9.3 y). Secondly, meticulously matched pairwise to obtain two highly homogeneous groups rerun our analysis investigate advantage. The initally disadvantaged multilinguals...

Cognitive representations and beliefs are what comprise an individual’s self-concept. A positive self-concept is related to influences academic achievement, the relationship between a domain-specific achievement in same domain strong. However, insufficient attention has been paid these issues among multilingual children. More importantly, since instruction strongly contributes development of metacognition executive functions (EFs), bilingual advantage hypothesis holds that constant...

Handwriting is a complex task that includes planning the content and execution of handwriting movements on paper or tool (e.g., tablet). This depends involvement specific muscles in hand (distal) arm (proximal). The present study combines parallel recording writing process tablets related muscle activity with electromyography to investigate differences two groups. A total 37 intermediate writers (third fourth graders, mean age 9.6 years, SD 0.5) 18 skilled adults (mean 28.6 5.5) participated...

Is it the age of second language acquisition (AoA) that primarily determines manner cerebral representation multiple languages in brain, or is proficiency? Here, we review recent neuroimaging studies aimed at investigating AoA effects by comparing early with late (usually L2 onset after 6 years age) bilinguals during a variety tasks on number languages. Most did indeed report effects. Of particular interest region mainly found to functionally differ between and left inferior frontal gyrus,...

ABSTRACT Processes involved in late bilinguals’ production of morphologically complex words were studied using an event-related brain potentials (ERP) paradigm which EEGs recorded during participants’ silent productions English past- and present-tense forms. Twenty-three advanced second language speakers (first [L1] German) compared to a control group 19 L1 from earlier study. We found frontocentral negativity for regular relative irregular past-tense forms (e.g., asked vs. held ) (silent)...

For bilinguals, research suggests that both languages are constantly active and competing in the mind, even when only using one. However, this body of work has reported inconclusive results on long-term effects constant parallel activation use more than one language brain. This mostly been due to inconsistent comparisons between groups bilinguals monolinguals. Not all bilingualisms same. The investigation over a lifetime offers opportunity better understand consequences bilingualism few...

Research on reading development attempts to explain differences in the patterns of adults and children. Previous studies, which typically analyzed word length frequency effects developing readers, often focused dyslexic or dysfluent readers. Similar previous we investigated eye movements children added several novel aspects: We tested 66 German-speaking Children’s oral fluency was used as measure ability. Only fast readers ( n = 34, mean age 10.9 ± 0.9 years) slow 32, 11.2 participated an...

Today, group settings (e.g., in kindergarten) are more linguistically-diverse than ever. However, concepts language acquisition only rarely include this fact. This paper reports on the effects of a intervention which is based concept specifically designed for („PROgramme BI- and MUltilingual Children“; Festman Rinker, 2014). The implementation programme its outcomes described with example German-English-immersion kindergarten, was fact plurilingual. We aimed at supporting children’s two...