The Influence of Language Experience on Cognition: Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Bilingualism
Adam John Privitera 博士
（新加坡南洋理工大学学习研究与发展中心）
Privitera研究员目前任职于新加坡南洋理工大学学习研究与发展中心（CRADLE）。在香港大学（教育学院）获得博士学位，专攻认知科学。Privitera博士的研究聚焦于语言经验差异对认知控制和决策制定的影响，以及将认知和神经科学的发现应用于教育政策和实践。他的研究成果发表在包括Higher Education, Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, The International Journal of Bilingualism, and Language and Cognition等顶级学术期刊上。Privitera博士还继续在国际顶级会议上展示他的研究成果，包括心理学会和认知科学学会的年会。他目前担任Neuroscience and Education 和 Frontiers in Psychology的编委会成员。此前，Privitera博士曾在美国担任心理学教师和项目主管（2011-2016年），并在中国担任AP心理学教师（2016-2021年）和心理学助理教授（2021-2023年）。
Language and cognition have intrigued researchers for the last century. While the earliest studies explored the influence of individual languages on thought, more recent work has investigated the experience of bilingualism, the use of multiple languages. To date, a number of bilingual effects have been characterized including differences in decision-making when using a second language and improvements in domain general cognitive function associated with use of multiple languages. Although our understanding of these phenomena has been illuminated by decades of research, recent criticisms highlight significant limitations of this work. Specifically, ignorance of the multi-dimensionality and heterogeneity inherent in language experience limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn. This talk will focus on my recent work investigating the question, “how does variation in language experience impact on cognition?”. This question has motivated studies investigating the influence of differences in separate dimensions of language experience as well as the impact of differences in linguistic context and language combination. Consistently, findings from my work support the conclusion that previously reported bilingual phenomena are graded and can be modulated through variation across multiple dimensions of language experience. Furthermore, this research underscores the significance of experiences like bilingualism in fostering cognitive reserve, contributing to the promotion of successful aging.