Schedule of Events | Symposia

Differences between Bilingual and Monolingual’s Cognitive Functions Using ERP

Poster Session E - Monday, March 31, 2025, 2:30 – 4:30 pm EDT, Back Bay Ballroom/Republic Ballroom

Aram Akbari^1, (aram.akbari@bruins.belmont.edu), Emily Stripling^1,, Kristie Stephens^1,, Karlie Souder^1,, Liam Feinberg^1,, Emma Chacon^1,, Dara Olopade^1,, Smyth Harper^1,, Michael Oliver, PhD¹; ¹Belmont University

It has been suggested that bilinguals may possess a cognitive advantage compared to monolinguals due to frequent task switching between languages. Previous research highlights this advantage in older adults as it has been suggested that engaging in additional languages may be a protective factor against neurodegenerative disorders. However, findings regarding younger adults are mixed regarding whether such advantages exist. As such, this study investigated if being bilingual in young adulthood related to a cognitive advantage over monolingual counterparts demonstrated as faster lexical access, better response inhibition, and improved memory. A total of 33 participants (18 English-speaking monolinguals and 15 primary English speaking and varied second language bilinguals) were asked to complete computerized cognitive assessments, including the Lexical Decision-Making Test and the Stop Signal task, while brain activity was measured simultaneously using electroencephalography (EEG). Once completed, participants completed the Bilingual Language Profile to assess language use and proficiency. Behaviorally, there were no significant differences in lexical access, inhibitory control, or memory between groups. However, findings revealed faster P300 latency in bilinguals during the memory task and greater N400 amplitude on the lexical task. Although, no bilingual advantage was exhibited behaviorally, our results reveal cortical differences between monolinguals and bilinguals suggesting improved cortical activation to the processing of words, and faster retrieval of words from memory. Findings of the current study imply that while no younger bilinguals do not exhibit a specific behavioral advantage, over time repeated use can strengthen these neural pathways, potentially leading to cognitive advantages with aging.

Topic Area: LANGUAGE: Semantic