Contributions of Psychology to the Problem of Bilingualism

Abstract

This article deals with the necessity of interdisciplinary work on the different disciplines which are trying to find solutions to the bilingual problem of the Catalan-Castilian speaking community. This interdisciplinary work shows that objective solutions based on scientific grounds are necessary and that the psychological point of view is essential for good research. It also includes various aspects of bilingual studies from the psychological point of view of the rest of the westem world. Its most detailed exposition is emphasized, the neuropsychology of bilingualism being one of the most interesting lines of study at the moment. A measure of linguistic dominance of the Catalan language is shown, based on Reaction Time in Verbal Association, for the purpose of leaming the linguistic behavior of S Catalan-Castilian speaking people. This is seen as an essential step towards forming coherent programmes for the general public as well as for the schools. In conclusion, a hypothesis of work forthe elaboration of introductory Catalan programmes for Castilian-speaking children has been presented, based on the immersion programmes developed in Canada, U.S.A., Italy, etc.