Bimodal Bilingualism and Executive Functions

Possible Effects on Inhibition, Planning, and Working Memory

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4151/S0718-09342024011601019

Keywords:

bilingualism, unimodal, bimodal, sign language, executive functions

Abstract

Scientific evidence demonstrates that unimodal bilingualism (two spoken languages) has positive effects on executive control. However, few studies have investigated the influence of bimodal bilingualism (spoken language and sign language) on executive functions. This study explores differences between monolinguals, unimodal bilinguals, and bimodal bilinguals in inhibition, planning, and working memory. A total of 80 participants between 18 and 40 years old were evaluated using executive function tasks of inhibition (verbal Stroop; nonverbal Stroop; verbal Simon; nonverbal Simon), planning (Tower of Hanoi) and working memory (Digits, Letters and Numbers, Corsi Cubes, Letters-Figures). The results show that unimodal bilinguals have certain advantages over monolinguals in inhibition, planning, and working memory, which are not present in bimodal bilinguals with regard to the executive functions explored.

Author Biographies

Coral Cantillo-Horrillo, Universidad de Sevilla

Dra. en Psicología por la Universidad de Sevilla y graduada en Pedagogía por la Universidad de Granada.

Isabel R. Rodríguez-Ortiz, Universidad de Sevilla

Profesora Titular de Universidad, dentro del Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación de la Universidad de Sevilla (España).

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Published

2024-12-09

How to Cite

Cantillo-Horrillo, C., & Rodríguez-Ortiz, I. R. (2024). Bimodal Bilingualism and Executive Functions: Possible Effects on Inhibition, Planning, and Working Memory. Revista Signos. Estudios De Lingüística, 57(116), 678–709. https://doi.org/10.4151/S0718-09342024011601019

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 116 (2024): December

Section

Articles

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