How the use and control of multiple languages can affect attentional processes.

Poarch GJ

Abstract

The debate about bilingualism and its effects on non-linguistic, cognitive processes, particularly on the development of executive function (EF), is ongoing. Previous studies offer converging evidence for bilinguals and multilinguals having enhanced EF compared to monolinguals. However, a recently growing body of research has yielded no differences between such individuals. This chapter gives an overview of EF research in the domain of multilingualism, with a greater focus on child research, and aims at exploring factors that attenuate EF task performance differences in bilinguals vs. monolinguals.