367 Lecture 22.3 Types of Bilingualism

Summary

This lecture explores the complexities of bilingualism, emphasizing its prevalence and the impact of speaking multiple languages on cognition. It covers types of bilingualism (early vs. late, additive vs. subtractive), highlighting how bilinguals often experience different personalities depending on the language they speak. The brain's processing of languages differs between early and late bilinguals, with early bilinguals using overlapping brain regions for both languages. The lecture also delves into code-switching, how bilinguals lie more easily in their second language, and the cognitive flexibility that bilingualism fosters. It concludes by discussing the advantages of bilingualism, particularly for children's cognitive development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bilingualism is the norm, not the exception: Worldwide, bilinguals and multilinguals outnumber monolinguals, especially in diverse areas like Los Angeles.
• 😀 Cognitive psychologists have only recently focused on bilingualism: Most research on bilingualism began in the 1970s, with significant studies emerging from French-speaking Canada.
• 😀 The language you speak influences how you think: Language shapes your thoughts, but it doesn't limit your ability to understand concepts, as seen in the example of Japanese words for interpersonal emotions.
• 😀 Speaking different languages can lead to different personalities: A bilingual person may show different personality traits depending on the language in which they take a personality test, highlighting the impact of language on self-expression.
• 😀 There are different types of bilingualism: Early bilingualism (simultaneous or successive) and late bilingualism, with early bilinguals typically learning both languages before the age of 8.
• 😀 The concept of 'critical period' is outdated: Cognitive psychologists now talk about an 'optimal time' to learn a language rather than a strict critical period, with late bilinguals still able to speak a second language fluently.
• 😀 Additive bilingualism is the ideal: Additive bilinguals are equally proficient in both languages, while subtractive bilingualism can occur when learning a second language diminishes proficiency in the first.
• 😀 Passive bilingualism occurs when one language is understood but no longer spoken: This typically happens when societal pressures push individuals to prioritize one language over the other.
• 😀 Code-switching is a sign of cognitive flexibility: Bilinguals seamlessly switch between languages for reasons such as easier expression or identity, showing cognitive adaptability rather than confusion.
• 😀 It's easier to lie in a second language: Research shows that bilinguals can lie more effectively in their second language, with a faster reaction time when doing so compared to their native language.
• 😀 Early bilinguals use the same brain areas for both languages: Studies show that early bilinguals use overlapping regions of their brain for both languages, while late bilinguals activate distinct brain areas for each language.

Q & A

What is the main point about bilingualism in Los Angeles?

The main point is that bilingualism is the norm in Los Angeles, and cognitive psychology has been slow to acknowledge that bilingualism and multilingualism are common worldwide, while monolinguals are relatively rare.

How has cognitive psychology historically treated bilingualism?

Historically, cognitive psychology has neglected bilingualism, especially in older textbooks. Research on bilingualism began to gain traction in the 1970s, particularly in French-speaking Canada, and is now becoming more prominent in modern texts.

What is the conclusion of research regarding how language influences thinking?

Research concludes that the language you speak influences how you think about things, but it doesn't determine whether you can understand a concept. For instance, the Japanese language has more words for interpersonal emotions, which affects how Japanese speakers perceive emotions.

What does the example of empathy and sympathy in Japanese and English illustrate?

The example illustrates how language can shape how people understand concepts. Japanese has distinct words for emotions like sympathy and empathy, while English speakers often struggle to differentiate these emotions, showcasing the role of language in thought.

What is the 'new soul' or personality theory related to bilingualism?

The theory suggests that bilinguals exhibit different personalities depending on the language they are speaking. This idea is backed by studies showing that when bilinguals take personality tests in different languages, their results can differ based on the language used.

What are the different types of bilingualism discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses several types of bilingualism: early bilingualism (simultaneous and successive), late bilingualism, additive bilingualism, subtractive bilingualism, and passive bilingualism.

What is the difference between early and late bilingualism?

Early bilingualism refers to acquiring two languages before the age of eight, while late bilingualism refers to acquiring a second language after the age of eight, often after mastering the first language.

How does subtractive bilingualism work?

Subtractive bilingualism occurs when the acquisition of a second language causes a decrease in proficiency in the first language. This often happens in environments where one language, such as English in the U.S., is more dominant and pressures individuals to prioritize it.

What is passive bilingualism, and how does it manifest?

Passive bilingualism is an extreme form of subtractive bilingualism, where individuals can no longer speak a language but can still understand it. An example is a person who once spoke a language fluently but loses the ability to speak it over time while retaining comprehension.

Why do bilinguals code-switch, and what does it reveal about cognitive flexibility?

Bilinguals code-switch, or switch between languages in conversation, for various reasons, such as finding one language more effective for expressing certain concepts or to display cultural identity. It reflects cognitive flexibility, as bilinguals can adapt their speech based on context.

What did the study on lying in a second language reveal about bilinguals?

The study found that bilinguals find it easier to lie in their second language than in their first language, likely because the emotional distance in the second language makes lying feel less emotionally taxing.

How does the brain process languages differently in early and late bilinguals?

For early bilinguals, both languages are processed using overlapping areas in the brain, specifically Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas. For late bilinguals, different regions of the brain are activated for each language, indicating that early bilinguals have more integrated brain regions for language processing.