The roles of cognitive flexibility and stability in Thai-English-speaking children’s language switching

Purpose: To investigate the effects of cognitive flexibility and stability (key components of cognitive control) and aspects of the bilingual language experience (e.g., language proficiency) on bilingual children’s language switching. This study focuses on an underexplored Southeast Asian language. Methodology: A within-subject design was used to examine language switching in Thai-English bilingual children, from dual-language programs. We employed a cue-based language switching task with switching frequency manipulations in mixed blocks. Analysis: Mixed-effects logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze accuracy and reaction time, respectively. Findings: A larger switch cost in the light-switching condition compared with the dense one indicated an effect of switching frequency on language switching. In the light-switching condition, frequent repetitions of non-switch items resulted in faster and more automatic responses, whereas switch items required more top-down cognitive control. Frequent switches in the dense-switching condition resulted in more automatic switches and reduced switch costs. Children were faster and more accurate in English than in Thai, despite their higher proficiency in Thai. Originality: Findings demonstrate the complex interactions among bilingual children’s language switching, cognitive flexibility, and aspects of the bilingual experience. The switching patterns of children who speak languages that are associated with different cultures (i.e., Asian/Western cultures) and with distinct cognitive styles (i.e., more analytic/holistic) reflect variations in cognitive flexibility. Significance: This research expands our understanding of how different factors (e.g., cognitive flexibility and language experience) may affect language switching in children who speak an Asian and a Western language. The findings highlight the need for a more integrative bilingualism research approach with consideration to sociocultural and cognitive factors.