The advantages of being bilingual: Bilingual people have better attention control

A recent study published in the journal Bilingualism: Language and Cognition suggests that individuals who speak two languages may possess enhanced abilities in shifting their attention compared to monolinguals. Conducted by Grace deMeurisse, a Ph.D. candidate in linguistics at the University of Florida, and Edith Kaan, a professor in the department of linguistics at UF, the research explored differences in attentional control between bilingual and monolingual individuals.

The study indicated that bilinguals exhibit greater efficiency in ignoring irrelevant information rather than inhibiting it. The authors proposed that this heightened ability might stem from the constant need for bilinguals to switch between two languages, necessitating a frequent shift in attention away from the inactive language.

For instance, when engaged in a conversation in one language, the other language remains active but is momentarily set aside, ready to be utilized if needed. The study employed a novel task, the Partial Repetition Cost task, to assess participants’ capacity to manage incoming information and control attention.

The advantages of being bilingual: Bilingual people have better attention control

The subjects were divided into two groups: functional monolinguals and bilinguals. Functional monolinguals were individuals with limited foreign language experience (two years or less in a classroom) who exclusively used their first language. Bilinguals, on the other hand, had acquired both languages before ages 9 to 12 and were actively using both.

The researchers emphasized that cognitive traits are adaptable and continuously influenced by external factors. The study underscores the need for greater consistency in experimental approaches when examining differences between monolinguals and bilinguals.

The researchers clarified that the study did not aim to establish a superiority of bilinguals over monolinguals. Instead, they emphasized that learning a second language provides various benefits, whether cognitive, social, or environmental. The study contributes to reshaping discussions around bilingualism and cognition, encouraging a broader consideration of factors and methodologies in future research.

References: 
Research source: deMeurisse G, Kaan E. Bilingual attentional control: Evidence from the Partial Repetition Cost paradigm | Bilingualism: Language and Cognition | Cambridge Core. Cambridge Core. 2023. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bilingualism-language-and-cognition/article/bilingual-attentional-control-evidence-from-the-partial-repetition-cost-paradigm/834021DD237E5E767F05C3AF3F0B2B04