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Comparing behavioral discrimination and learning abilities in monolinguals, bilinguals and multilinguals
Marie-Claude Tremblay1, Laura Sabourin
1Department of Linguistics, University of Ottawa, 70 Laurier Avenue, Arts Building, room 439, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada. mc_tremblay1@hotmail.com
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|November 14, 2012
Summary
Multilinguals and bilinguals exhibit superior speech perception and learning abilities compared to monolinguals. Language learning enhances cognitive development, improving the ability to discern non-native speech sounds.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
- Psychology
Background:
- Language learning experience may influence cognitive abilities.
- Previous research suggests potential links between multilingualism and enhanced cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if language learning experience enhances speech perception.
- To compare speech perception abilities across monolinguals, bilinguals, and multilinguals.
- To assess the impact of training on non-native speech sound discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a pre-test-training-post-test design.
- Employed an AX task to assess behavioral discrimination of non-native speech contrasts.
- Compared performance of monolinguals, bilinguals, multilinguals, and a control group.
Main Results:
- No significant group differences were observed at pre-test.
- Multilinguals showed higher accuracy than monolinguals on the trained contrast at post-test.
- Bilingual and multilingual groups outperformed the control group in trained contrast discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Bilingualism and multilingualism are associated with enhanced speech perception abilities.
- Language learning appears to foster superior learning capabilities, supporting cognitive development.
- Findings suggest positive cognitive effects of learning multiple languages.
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