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Language is a factor in the identification and processing of number words
Rémy Lachelin1, Christine Schiltz2, Mila Marinova3
1Faculty of Psychology, UniDistanc Suisse, 18, Schinerstrasse, 3900 Brig-Glis, Switzerland.
Brain and Language
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Language and numbers are deeply connected, especially for multilingual individuals. Language influences how we learn, process, and represent numerical concepts from basic identification to complex math skills.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psycholinguistics
- Numerical Cognition
- Bilingualism Research
Background:
- Numerical cognition and psycholinguistics historically developed separately.
- Emerging research highlights the intrinsic link between language and number processing.
- Multilingualism presents a unique context for understanding this language-number relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize research on how language influences numerical processing.
- To expand on Frenck-Mestre and Vaid's (1992) work on language and number word identification.
- To explore the impact of language characteristics and multilingualism on number acquisition and representation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Discussion of studies examining language's role in numerical tasks.
- Analysis of developmental trajectories in number word acquisition across languages.
Main Results:
- Language characteristics (morpho-syntax) and status (monolingual vs. multilingual) affect numerical processing at various levels.
- Multilingual experiences shape lexical, semantic, and lexico-semantic access to numerical information.
- Language significantly impacts the learning, acquisition, and representation of numerical concepts.
Conclusions:
- Language is a critical factor in numerical cognition, particularly in multilingual contexts.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of multilingual number representations.
- Future directions include exploring developmental aspects and diverse linguistic influences on mathematical skills.
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