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Episodic and semantic memory in bilingual and monolingual children
Reza Kormi-Nouri1, Sadegheh Moniri, Lars-Göran Nilsson
1Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Iran. reza_nouri@yahoo.com
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|February 27, 2003
Summary
Bilingual children show enhanced episodic and semantic memory across all ages. This suggests that managing two languages boosts cognitive abilities, including memory functions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Bilingualism is linked to cognitive advantages in children.
- The specific relationship between bilingualism and memory remains less understood.
- Investigating memory in bilingual children is crucial for understanding cognitive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare episodic and semantic memory in bilingual and monolingual children.
- To examine the effects of bilingualism on memory across different age groups.
- To identify potential sex differences in memory performance related to bilingualism.
Main Methods:
- Compared 60 bilingual and 60 monolingual children (ages 8.5, 10.5, 12.5).
- Assessed episodic memory via subject-performed and verbal tasks (free and cued recall).
- Evaluated semantic memory using word fluency tests.
Main Results:
- Bilingual children demonstrated significant advantages in both episodic and semantic memory.
- These memory benefits were consistent across all tested age groups.
- Sex differences were observed in episodic memory, particularly in younger children, but not in semantic memory.
Conclusions:
- Bilingualism confers advantages on episodic and semantic memory in children.
- Integrating two languages may enhance information processing and cognitive abilities.
- Bilingualism positively impacts memory development, with some age- and sex-related nuances.