How we turn languages ‘ on’ and ‘ off’

Washington: The distinct computations that occur when we switch between different languages, is a new finding that provides insights into the nature of bilingualism. Lead author of the study, Esti Blanco-Elorrieta, said, “A remarkable feature of multilingual individuals is their ability to quickly and accurately switch back and forth between their different languages.” Senior author Liina Pylkkanen, said, “Specifically, this research unveils for the first time that while disengaging from one language requires some cognitive effort, activating a new language comes relatively cost- free from a neurobiological standpoint.” Previous research has linked language switching with increased activity in areas associated with cognitive control. However, it was unknown whether it is disengaging from the previous language or engaging in a new language that drives this activity. This is mainly because these two processes happen simultaneously when those who speak two languages switch from one to the other ( i. e., when participants switch from speaking Spanish to speaking English). The scientists observed bilingual speakers who viewed the same pictures and named them with semantically identical expressions. In order to gauge the study subjects' brain activity, the researchers deployed a technique that maps neural activity. The results showed that when bilinguals fluent in American Sign Language ( ASL) and English switched languages, turning a language ‘ off’ led to increased activity in cognitive control areas while turning a language ‘ on’ was no different than not switching. — ANI