Examining the relationship between bilingual experiences and cognitive control

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Type
Thesis
Author
Lai, Gabrielle Yi Qian
Supervisor
O'Brien, Beth Ann
Abstract
Support for the “bilingual advantage hypothesis” has been challenged due to discrepant findings especially with young-adult bilinguals. It is reasoned that the extent of bilingual influence on cognitive development could be dependent on experiential factors that influence bilinguals’ language control. With the Adaptive Control Hypothesis as a frame, this research examines the relationship between language switching and bilingual competency with cognitive control. Three separate studies were conducted with young adult English-Mandarin bilinguals to examine these factors systematically. Findings from this research demonstrate the heterogeneity of bilingualism, and illustrate their distinctive engagements with cognitive control processes. Findings also suggest partial support for the Adaptive Control Hypothesis, where some of its assumptions and associations are challenged. This research contributes significantly in theory-building, in which important and relevant bilingual language control frameworks are examined.
Date Issued
2021
Call Number
P115.3 Lai
Date Submitted
2021