Learning a Foreign Language: A New Path to Enhancement of Cognitive Functions

Autor/inn/en	Shoghi Javan, Sara; Ghonsooly, Behzad
Titel	Learning a Foreign Language: A New Path to Enhancement of Cognitive Functions
Quelle	In: Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 47 (2018) 1, S.125-138 (14 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0090-6905
DOI	10.1007/s10936-017-9518-7
Schlagwörter	Cognitive Processes; Language Processing; Bilingualism; Cognitive Development; Executive Function; Second Language Learning; English (Second Language); Comparative Analysis; Language Skills; Short Term Memory; Inhibition; Color; Interference (Learning); Visual Stimuli; Reaction Time; Abstract Reasoning; Cognitive Tests; Cognitive Ability; Children; Intelligence Tests; Stroop Color Word Test; Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Cognitive process; Kognitiver Prozess; Sprachverarbeitung; Bilingualismus; Kognitive Entwicklung; Zweitsprachenerwerb; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Language skill; Sprachkompetenz; Kurzzeitgedächtnis; Hemmung; Colour; Farbbezeichnung; Farbe; Reaktionsvermögen; Abstraktes Denken; Denken; Kognitiver Fähigkeitstest; Denkfähigkeit; Child; Kind; Kinder; Intelligence test; Intelligenztest
Abstract	The complicated cognitive processes involved in natural (primary) bilingualism lead to significant cognitive development. Executive functions as a fundamental component of human cognition are deemed to be affected by language learning. To date, a large number of studies have investigated how natural (primary) bilingualism influences executive functions; however, the way acquired (secondary) bilingualism manipulates executive functions is poorly understood. To fill this gap, controlling for age, gender, IQ, and socio-economic status, the researchers compared 60 advanced learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) to 60 beginners on measures of executive functions involving Stroop, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) and Wechsler's digit span tasks. The results suggested that mastering English as a foreign language causes considerable enhancement in two components of executive functions, namely cognitive flexibility and working memory. However, no significant difference was observed in inhibitory control between the advanced EFL learners and beginners. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01