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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Examining Bilingual Language Control Using the Stroop Task

Examining Bilingual Language Control Using the Stroop Task

Published on: February 26, 2020

Language selection in bilingual speech: evidence for inhibitory processes.

Judith F Kroll¹, Susan C Bobb, Maya Misra

¹Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. jfk7@psu.edu

Acta Psychologica

|March 25, 2008

Summary

Bilinguals constantly activate both languages, even when speaking one. This research explores how they select the intended language, possibly through inhibition of the non-target language.

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Area of Science:

Psycholinguistics
Cognitive Neuroscience
Second Language Acquisition

Background:

Bilinguals demonstrate parallel activation of both languages during speech production, even when speaking only one.
This phenomenon is observed in both highly proficient bilinguals and second language learners.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence for cross-language activation in single word production.
To examine two primary models of language selection in bilinguals: language-specific selection and competitive selection.
To investigate the role of inhibitory mechanisms in managing cross-language activity.

Main Methods:

Review of existing behavioral studies on bilingual speech production.
Analysis of neuroimaging studies investigating language processing in bilinguals.
Examination of theoretical models explaining language selection mechanisms.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the parallel activation of both languages during bilingual speech production.
Two main models for language selection are discussed: selective attention within the target language and competitive selection with inhibition.
Recent studies suggest an inhibitory mechanism plays a role in modulating cross-language activity.

Conclusions:

Bilingual speech production involves the simultaneous activation of both languages.
Language selection mechanisms in bilinguals may involve either selective attention or inhibitory control over the non-target language.
Further research, including behavioral and neuroimaging studies, is crucial for understanding these selection processes.