Predictive relations between executive function and Mandarin vocabulary ability among Uyghur-Mandarin bilingual preschoolers

Abstract

This study explored the predictive relations between executive function and second language vocabulary. Data on receptive and expressive vocabulary in Mandarin and on working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility were collected in two waves within a year from 186 Uyghur-Mandarin bilingual preschoolers in China. The results indicated that the predictive relations between executive function and second language vocabulary differed between receptive and expressive vocabulary and were mainly found in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Specifically, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in Wave 1 significantly positively predicted Mandarin receptive vocabulary but not expressive vocabulary in Wave 2, whereas Mandarin expressive but not receptive vocabulary in Wave 1 significantly positively directly predicted inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in Wave 2. Predictive relations between working memory and Mandarin receptive and expressive vocabulary were insignificant. These findings contribute significantly to understanding second language learning, especially Mandarin learning among Uyghur preschoolers in China.