Inhibitory processes in language switching: Evidence from switching language-defined response sets

TLDR

The study investigates inhibitory processes in language switching using language‑defined response sets of digit names across multiple languages. Participants switched between two languages in Experiment 1 and among three languages in Experiment 2, with inhibition assessed via shift costs and n‑2 repetition costs (ABA vs. CBA sequences).

Abstract

We used language-defined response sets (digit names from 1 to 9 in different languages) to explore inhibitory processes in language switching. Subjects were required to switch between two (Experiment 1) or among three (Experiment 2) languages. In Experiment 1, we obtained a shift cost when subjects switched between their first and second language, between their first and third language, or between their second and third language. For each language pairing, the shift cost was larger for the relatively dominant language than for the nondominant language (i.e., asymmetric shift cost). In Experiment 2, we assessed inhibition of response sets as reflected in n-2 repetition cost (i.e., the difference between ABA and CBA language sequences). We discuss both effects with respect to inhibitory processes in language switching. The results suggest different functional characteristics of the processes underlying asymmetric shift cost and n-2 repetition cost.