Does the frequency of cultural switching modulate bilinguals’ performance on Executive Functions tasks? A study of highly proficient bicultural-bilinguals

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This study investigates how bicultural switching could influence cognitive performance on Executive Functions tasks among bicultural-bilinguals. Methodology: Study 1 ( n = 233) integrates self-report questionnaire data on cultural and language behaviour with a priming experiment, providing empirical evidence of young adult bilinguals’ ability to shift between multiple cultures. Study 2 ( n = 48) explores the effect of cultural switching frequency on young adult bicultural bilinguals’ performance on tests for interference and inhibition control, set-shifting ability, and attention. Data and Analysis: Study 1: A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine the effect of different primes on participant’s ratings. We ran a two-way mixed ANOVA to ascertain the effect of interlocutors (Grandparents/relatives, Parents, Siblings, Peers/co-workers, Social media) on behaviour (Cultural, Language). Study 2: A one-way ANOVA was conducted on Simon, Flanker, and Wisconsin Card Sort tasks (WCST). Each of the three attention network components was analysed using a 2 (trial-type, within-subjects) × 2 (Switching Group, between-groups) mixed-ANOVA for the Attention Network task. Findings: Study 1: Participants who alternate frequently between cultural frames made a clearer distinction between Western primes than those who switched between cultural frames less, suggesting that the frequency of cultural switching could impact cognition. Study 2: Bicultural bilinguals who switched between cultural frames frequently resolved stimulus-response conflict significantly faster in the Flanker task, made fewer mistakes within each sorting block in the WCST, and had a smaller conflict effect compared to infrequent switchers in the Attention Network Task. Significance: This study examines the effects of bicultural switching on Executive Functions of highly proficient bicultural bilinguals, highlighting it as a potential confound in bilingual research. Bicultural switching effects on interference and inhibition-control persist even in participants at the developmental peak of their cognitive processing capabilities after controlling for a plethora of socio-linguistic variables. Our research highlights how this understudied aspect of multiculturalism may have broad implications for bilingual research in Executive Functions.