Influences of Language Shift on Speech Fluency in Memory Production of Unbalanced Chinese-English Bilinguals

Abstract

Language shift at encoding and retrieval has been demonstrated to influence memory. However, previous studies of language shift mostly focused on memory accuracy, leaving its effect on fluency of memory production neglected. The current study sets out to investigate how encoding language and delay interval influence speech fluency in memory production. In the study, 60 Chinese ESL learners were asked to verbally retell two stories in immediate or delayed memory tests. One story was learned in English but recalled in Chinese, and the other was learned and recalled both in Chinese. The fluency of their speech reproduction during story recall was manifested by production fluency and pause rate. The results show that encoding in English and retrieving in Chinese leads to more pauses and lower fluency than encoding and retrieving both in Chinese. However, the language shift effect on speech production diminishes after 24 hours’ delay. The results suggest the key role of delay interval in modulating language shift effect and shed light on bilingual memory and bilingual education.