Lateralization of Language Functions in Adult Multilingual Speakers Measured by Dichotic Listening

Dobrić, Arnalda. (2012). Lateralization of Language Functions in Adult Multilingual Speakers Measured by Dichotic Listening. Govor : časopis za fonetiku, 29(2). pp. 121-148. ISSN 0352-7565

Preview

PDF (Croatian) Download (411kB) | Preview

Abstract

The paper deals with the measurement of lateralization of language functions using dichotic listening. The languages involved in the study were Croatian as a native language and Portuguese as a foreign language of the plurilingualism subjects who participated in the study. Short revision of the definitions of bilingualism and plurilingualism from Bloomfield's time onwards has been given. Lateralization of brain functions is observed as one of four principles of brain organization. Factors that may influence on lateralization in monolingual and plurilingual subjects have been mentioned. The paper is based on the hypotheses that subjects will have more success in resolving the tasks in their native language than in the foreign language and that the laterality index, as a measure of laterality in dichotic listening, will be positive for both languages. It means that the left hemisphere will be more active than the right hemisphere, but it is expected that the values of indices will be higher in the native language. The results of the study agree with new trends in which small differences in the activation of hemispheres are seen as a proof of the cooperation between the two hemispheres in speech and language processes.

Actions (login required)

View Item