The Study of Bilingual Language Processing

This book provides a comprehensive overview of research into bilingualism, covering topics such as lexico-semantic representation, cross-language priming, selective lexical access, and code switching. It demonstrates the theoretical significance and practical implications of this research and will be a valuable resource for seminars and courses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of research on bilingualism, providing a detailed account of the issues, models, and outcomes associated with this fascinating phenomenon. In the opening chapter, the author identifies the key characteristics of this research and traces its historical developments, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of four critical topics.

The first topic examined is lexico-semantic representation and organization in bilinguals, a subject that delves into the intricate ways in which words and meanings are represented and interconnected in the bilingual mind. The author explores the complexities of bilingual lexicon, examining how exposure to words in one language can influence word recognition in another, leading to the discovery of an intriguing asymmetry in translation priming.

The second topic is cross-language priming, which delves into the bilingual lexicon by exploring how exposure to words in one language can affect word recognition in another. This research uncovers a fascinating phenomenon where bilinguals exhibit an asymmetry in their ability to recognize words in their second language, highlighting the intricate interplay between language acquisition and language processing.

The third topic is selective lexical access in bilinguals, a subject that examines whether bilinguals possess the ability to selectively activate one language while suppressing the other. The author explores the cognitive mechanisms that underlie this selective activation, shedding light on the complex processes involved in language control and language regulation in bilinguals.

The fourth and final topic is code switching, which focuses on language control and language regulation mechanisms in bilinguals. The author examines the strategies that bilinguals employ to switch between their languages, exploring the factors that influence language choice and the cognitive processes that underpin code switching.

In conclusion, this book offers a wealth of insights into the cognition of bilingualism, demonstrating the theoretical significance and practical implications of research in this field. It serves as a valuable resource for seminars and courses at the advanced undergraduate level and above, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of bilingual language processing.

Weight: 656g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198852384