Bilingualism, Language Development and Processing across the Lifespan

Abstract

How does knowledge of a first or second language develop, and how is that knowledge used in real time comprehension and production of one or two languages? Language development and processing are the central topics that this book explores, initially in terms of first language(s) and then in terms of additional languages. Human growth and development necessarily involve the passage of time, implicating this orthogonal factor and leading to the observation that capacities may vary across the lifespan. Two theoretical frameworks have historically attributed explanations for knowledge and use of language, nature versus nurture approaches: the former credits biogenetic intrinsic characteristics, while the latter ascribes environmental extrinsic experiences as the causes of developmental change. The evidence examined throughout this book offers a more nuanced and complex view, eschewing dichotomy and favoring a hybrid approach that takes into account a range of internal and external influences.

Neural Activation in Bilinguals and Monolinguals Using a Word Identification Task

“…Kupisch et al (2014) also assert that native-like proficiency is most common in bilinguals who use L2 on a daily basis over a sustained period of time. Herschensohn (2022) stated that both simultaneous and sequential learners are primarily influenced by internal and external factors affecting L2 acquisition.…”

“…Learning is substantially influenced by other factors including: (a) sensitive periods for language learning; (b) age of acquisition; (c) the amount of time spent using a language; and (d) the phonetic (sound) features of a language (Brice et al 2021;Castilla et al 2009;Kupisch et al 2014;Herschensohn 2022;MacLeod and Stoel-Gammon 2005).…”