Cited by 400Neurobiology of Language and BilingualismLanguage Development and DisordersNeural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Bilingualism across the lifespan: the rise and fall of inhibitory control

Bialystok, Ellen, Martin, Michelle M., Viswanathan, Mythili·2005·International Journal of Bilingualism

Abstract

Previous research has shown that bilingual children perform better than comparable monolinguals on tasks requiring control of attention to inhibit misleading information. The present paper reports a series of studies that traces this processing difference into adulthood and eventually aging. The task used in all groups, from children to older adults, is the Simon task, a measure of stimulus-response incompatibility. The results showed that bilinguals performed better than monolinguals in early childhood, adulthood, and later adulthood. There was no difference in performance between monolinguals and bilinguals who were young adults, specifically university undergraduates. Our interpretation is that performance is at its peak efficiency for that group and bilingualism offers no further boost. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of bilingualism on control of attention and inhibition through the lifespan.

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Crossref · 10.1177/13670069050090010701

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43 of 43 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Bialystok, E., Martin, M. M., & Viswanathan, M.
Affiliations
York University (CA)
Corresponding author
Bialystok, Ellen
Venue
International Journal of Bilingualism
Published
2005-03
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
103-119
ISSN
  • 1367-0069 (ISSN-L)
  • 1756-6878
OpenAlex
W2039187374
Cited by
398
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 21 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 17
FWCI
1.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
International Journal of Bilingualism (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Language Development and Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
Keywords
bilingualism, inhibitory control, attentional control, Simon task, stimulus-response compatibility, aging, lifespan development, bilingual advantage, children, older adults, young adults

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