Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
5-2023
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that heterogeneous bilingual experiences implicate different executive functions (EF) in children. Using a latent profile analysis, we conducted a more nuanced investigation of multifaceted bilingual experiences. By concurrently considering numerous bilingual indicators – age of L1 and L2 acquisition, interactional contexts of verbal exchanges, L1 and L2 proficiency, balance of language use at home and school, and receptive vocabulary – we identified three latent profiles (subgroups): balanced dual-language, dominant single-language, and mixed-interaction. We found that the balanced dual-language and dominant single-language profiles predicted significantly better switching than the mixed-interaction profile. However, no profile differences were found in working memory, prepotent response inhibition, or inhibitory control. These results held true when multiple covariates (age, sex, household income, and nonverbal intelligence) were controlled for. Using a person-centered approach, our study underscores that disparate bilingual experiences asymmetrically predict the shifting facet of EF during early childhood.
Keywords
bilingual profiles, executive functions, latent profile analysis, switching, working memory, inhibitory control, prepotent response inhibition
Discipline
Clinical Psychology | Developmental Psychology
Research Areas
Psychology
Publication
Bilingualism: Language and Cognition
Volume
27
Issue
1
First Page
164
Last Page
177
ISSN
1366-7289
Identifier
10.1017/S1366728923000263
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Citation
YANG, Hwajin, TNG, Germaine Y. Q., NG, Wee Qin, & YANG, Sujin.(2023). Bilingual profiles differentially predict executive functions during early childhood: A Latent profile analysis. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 27(1), 164-177.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/4117
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728923000263
