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: Paperback / softback
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. This chapter delves into the complex mechanisms by which words and meanings are represented and interconnected in the bilingual mind. It explores the challenges and complexities faced by bilinguals in maintaining and manipulating their language repertoires, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate the linguistic landscape.

The second topic is cross-language priming, which examines the bilingual lexicon by exploring how exposure to words in one language can affect word recognition in another. This research reveals an intriguing asymmetry in translation priming, highlighting the unique cognitive processes involved in bilingual language processing.

The third topic is selective lexical access in bilinguals, which examines whether bilinguals have the ability to selectively activate one language while suppressing the other. This research sheds light on the cognitive mechanisms that enable bilinguals to switch between languages seamlessly and the factors that influence their language choice.

The fourth and final topic is code switching, which focuses on language control and language regulation mechanisms in bilinguals. This chapter explores the cognitive processes that underlie code switching, the factors that influence its frequency and context, and the implications of code switching for bilingual communication and cognitive development.

In conclusion, this book offers a wealth of insights into the cognition of bilingualism. It demonstrates the theoretical significance and practical implications of research into bilingual language processing, making it an invaluable resource for seminars, courses, and scholars interested in this field. The volume's comprehensive coverage and engaging writing style make it accessible to advanced undergraduate students and above, contributing to our understanding of the complex and fascinating world of bilingualism.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 171 x 246 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198852513