Cognitive Effects of Third Language Experience and the Role of Language Proficiency

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the extension of bilingual advantage into trilingualism and the role of proficiency in possible cognitive effects of third language (L3) experience. To this end, the data were collected from 51 Turkish young adults in three language groups through the administration of the Stroop task. The first group had 17 high-school graduates learning English and Arabic at intermediate-level. The second group consisted of 17 junior students studying Islamic Studies offering instruction in Turkish (30%), English (40%) and Arabic (30%). The last group had 17 junior students from English medium Social Sciences programs. Results revealed no additional cognitive benefits of trilingualism compared to bilingualism, yet high proficiency in L3 was associated with the enhancement of inhibition.

Keywords

• Trilingualism
• bilingual advantage
• inhibition
• language proficiency

Üçüncü Dil Deneyiminin Bilişsel Etkileri ve Dil Yetisinin Rolü

Abstract

Bu çalışma, ikidillilik avantajının üçdilliliğe uzantısını ve dil yeterliliğinin üçüncü dil deneyiminin muhtemel bilişsel etkisi üzerindeki rolünü araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, Stroop task kullanarak, üç gruptaki 51 genç yetişkinden veri toplanmıştır. Birinci grupta, orta seviyede İngilizce ve Arapça öğrenen 17 lise mezunu vardır. İkinci grup, öğretim dili Türkçe (%30), İngilizce (%40) ve Arapça olan İslami Bilimler bölümünde okuyan 17 üçüncü sınıf üniversite öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Son grupta, öğretim dili İngilizce olan Sosyal Bilimlerin ilgili bölümlerinde okuyan 17 üçüncü sınıf üniversite öğrencisi vardır. Sonuçlar, üç dilliliğin, ikidilliliğe göre ilave bilişsel etkisinin olmadığını, ancak üçüncü dildeki yüksek dil yeterliliğinin ketlemeyi olumlu yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir.

Keywords

• üçdillilik
• ikidilliliğin üstünlüğü
• ketleme
• dil yetisi

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