Past research has found inconclusive results pertaining to the relationship between linguistic ability and executive functioning. Although the benefits of multilingualism is well known, the degree of impact of linguistic ability on executive functioning is still not clearly known. Additionally, a lack of research in the Indian context was the driving force for the current study. This study aimed to help fill the gaps in the existing literature by exploring the relationship between individuals’ linguistic ability and their executive functioning, specifically, working memory – measured using the Corsi Block-Tapping task (Mueller, 2011a), inhibitory control – using the Go/No-Go task (Mueller, 2011b) and problem solving – using the Tower of London task (Mueller, 2011c) on 91 bilinguals, trilinguals and quadrilinguals Indian college students. The collected data was analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test. Results indicated significant differences between the three language groups on working memory (p = 0.050) (particularly between bilinguals and quadrilinguals, and trilinguals and quadrilinguals) as well as inhibitory control (p = 0.020) (particularly between trilinguals and quadrilinguals). Significant results were not found for problem solving among the three language groups. Therefore, the results indicate significant effects of multilingualism, even within the Indian population.

Authors:
Garima Rajan, FLAME University, India
Nyanada Patil, FLAME University, India

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Garima Rajan is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at FLAME University, Pune, India in India

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-garima-rajan-504b6a69/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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