Lexical access in trilinguals
Evidence from a double masked translation priming paradigm
An original double-masked translation priming study investigates how trilingual translation trainees process their non-dominant languages (L2 and L3) and how these languages influence one another. We recruited 24 French (L1)- English (L2)- Spanish (L3) unbalanced trilinguals to perform lexical decision tasks in their L2 and L3. Target words were preceded by two primes, which were either the same word (repetition), a translation in one language, translations in two languages or unrelated words (in one or two languages). The results highlighted strong translation priming effects, with a repetition effect in both target languages. In addition, when the translation primes belonged to the other non-dominant language, reaction times (RTs) were slower in comparison to semantically unrelated primes in the same priming language. When two different languages were presented as a prime, L1 primes were more efficient when presented as first prime. These results are in line with previous experiments on masked translation priming studies in trilinguals and suggest that the multilingual lexicon is mediated by the L1.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 1.1Language switching in translators and simultaneous interpreters
- 1.2Masked priming paradigm studies in multilinguals
- 1.3Connections between the two non-native languages
- 2.The present study
- 2.1Variables and conditions
- 2.2Methods
- 2.2.1Participants
- 2.2.2Stimuli
- 2.2.3Apparatus and procedure
- 2.2.4Results
- 3.Results
- 3.1Overall analysis
- 3.1.1Reaction times
- 3.1.2Error rates
- 3.2English lexical decision (L2 targets)
- 3.2.1Reaction times
- 3.2.2Error rates
- 3.3L3 Lexical decision
- 3.3.1Reaction times
- 3.3.2Error rates
- 4.Discussion and conclussions
- 4.1Language repetition
- 4.2Translation priming
- 4.3Related and unrelated primes
- 4.4Language switching
-
References
This article is currently available as a sample article.
References (53)
References
Abutalebi, Jubin, and David W. Green. 2007. “Bilingual Language Production: The Neurocognition of Language Representation and Control.” Journal of Neurolinguistics 20 (3): 242–275. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Adorni, Roberta, Mirella Manfredi, and Alice Mado Proverbio. 2013. “Since When or How Often? Dissociating the Roles of Age of Acquisition (AoA) and Lexical Frequency in Early Visual Word Processing.” Brain and Language 124 (1): 132–141. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Altarriba, Jeanette, and Dana M. Basnight-Brown. 2007. “Methodological considerations in performing semantic and translation priming experiments across languages.” Behavior Research Methods 39 (1): 1–18. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aparicio, Xavier. 2011.
Mécanismes cognitifs du changement de langue chez les multilingues: Études comportementales et électrophysiologiques
. PhD dissertation, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3. Saarbrücken: Editions Universitaires Européennes.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aparicio, Xavier, Karin H. Heidlmayr, and Frédéric Isel. 2017. “Inhibition Efficiency in Highly Proficient Bilinguals and Simultaneous Interpreters: Evidence from Language Switching and Stroop Tasks.” Journal of Psycholinguistic Research 46 (6):1427–1451. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aparicio, Xavier, and Jean-Marc Lavaur. 2013. “Recognizing Words in Three Languages: Effects of Language Dominance and Language Switching.” International Journal of Multilingualism 11 (2): 164–181. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aparicio, Xavier, and Jean-Marc Lavaur. 2016. “Masked Translation Priming Effects in Visual Word Recognition by Trilinguals.” Journal of Psycholinguistic Research 45 (6): 1369–1388. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aparicio, Xavier, Jean-Marc Lavaur, and Jannika Laxén. 2008. “Base lexicale trilingue ESF: Mesure du partage orthographique et du recouvrement sémantique interlangue”. Oral Presentation, French Society of Psychology, Bordeaux (France).![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bairstow, Dominique, Jean-Marc Lavaur, Jannika Laxén, and Xavier Aparicio. 2014. “Evaluating the Workings of Bilingual Memory with a Translation Recognition Task.” In Measuring L2 Proficiency: Perspectives from LSA. Edited by P. Leclerc, A. Edmonds, and H. Hilton, 122–140. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Balota, David A., and Stephen T. Paul. 1996. “Summation of Activation: Evidence from Multiples Primes that Converge and Diverge within Semantic Memory.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition 22 (4): 827–845.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Basnight-Brown, Dana M., and Jeanette Altarriba. 2007. “Differences in Semantic and Translation Priming across Languages: The Role of Language Direction and Language Dominance.” Memory & Cognition 35 (5): 953–965. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Blumenfeld, Henrike K., and Viorica Marian. 2013. “Parallel Language Activation and Cognitive Control during Spoken Word Recognition in Bilinguals.” Journal of Cognitive Psychology 25 (5): 547–567. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Chauncey, Krysta, Jonathan Grainger, and Phillip J. Holcomb. 2008. “Code-switching Effects in Bilingual Word Recognition: A Masked Priming Study with ERPs.” Brain and Language 105 (3): 161–174. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Christoffels, Ingrid K., and Annette M. B. de Groot. 2005. “Simultaneous Interpreting: A Cognitive Perspective.” In Handbook of Bilingualism: Psycholinguistic Approaches. Edited by J. F. Kroll and A. M. B. de Groot, 454–479. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Christoffels, Ingrid K., Annette M. B. de Groot, and Judith F. Kroll. 2006, “Memory and Language Skill in Simultaneous Interpreting: The Role of Expertise and Language Proficiency.” Journal of Memory and Language 541: 324–345. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Costa Martínez, Albert, Bárbara Albareda Castellot, and Mikel Santesteban. 2008. “Assessing the Presence of Lexical Competition across Languages: Evidence from the Stroop Task.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 11 (10): 121–131. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
De Bruijn, Ellen R. A., Ton Dijkstra, Dorothee J. Chwilla, and Herbert J. Schriefers. 2001. “Language Context Effects on Interlingual Homograph Recognition: Evidence from Event-related Potentials and Response Times in Semantic Priming.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 4 (2): 155–168. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Dijkstra, Ton. 2005. “Bilingual Visual Word Recognition and Lexical Access.” In Handbook of Bilingualism: Psycholinguistic Approaches. Edited by J. F. Kroll and A. M. B. de Groot, 179–200. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Dijkstra, Ton, and Walter J. B. van Heuven. 2002. “The Architecture of the Bilingual Word Recognition System: From Identification to Decision.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 5 (3): 175–197. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Dimitropoulou Maria, Jon Andoni Duñabeitia Landaburu, and Manuel Carreiras Valiña. 2011a. “Masked Translation Priming Effects with Low Proficient Bilinguals.” Memory & Cognition 39 (2): 260–275. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Dimitropoulou, Maria, Jon Andoni Dunabeitia, and Manuel Carreiras Valiña. 2011b. “Two Words, One Meaning: Evidence of Automatic Co-activation of Translation Equivalents.” Frontiers in Psychology, August 2011. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Duñabeitia, Landaburu, Jon Andoni, Manuel Perea Lara, and Manuel Carreiras Valiña. 2010. “Masked Translation Priming Effects with Highly Proficient Simultaneuous Bilinguals.” Experimental Psychology 57 (2): 98–107. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Duyck, Wouter, Timothy Desmet, Lieven P. C. Verbeke, and Marc Brysbaert. 2004. “WordGen: A Tool for Word Selection and Nonword Generation in Dutch, English, German, and French.” Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, and Computers 36 (3): 488–499. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Elmer, Stefan, Jürgen Hänggi, and Lutz Jäncke, L. 2014. “Processing Demands Upon Cognitive, Linguistic, and Articulatory Functions Promote Grey Matter Plasticity in the Adult Multilingual Brain: Insights from Simultaneous Interpreters.” Cortex 541: 179–189. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Finkbeiner, Matthew, Kenneth I. Forster, Janet Nicol, and Kumiko Nakumura. 2004. “The Role of Polysemy in Masked Semantic and Translation Priming.” Journal of Memory and Language 511: 1–22. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Forster, Kenneth I., and Christopher Davis. 1984. “Repetition Priming and Frequency Attenuation in Lexical Access.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition 10 (4): 680–698.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
French, Robert M., and Maud Jacquet. 2004. “Understanding Bilingual Memory: Models and Data.” Trends in Cognitive Science 81: 87–93. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Grainger, Jonathan, and Cécile Beauvillain. 1987. “Language Blocking and Lexical Access in Bilinguals.” The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology 39 (2): 295–319. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Grainger, Jonathan, and Ton Dijkstra. 1992. “On the Representation and Use of Language Information in Bilinguals.” In Cognitive Processing in Bilinguals. Edited by R. J. Harris, 207–221. Amsterdam: Elsevier. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Grainger, Jonathan, and Cheryl Frenck-Mestre. 1998. “Masked Priming by Translation Equivalents in Bilinguals.” Language and Cognitive Processes 1131: 601–623. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Green, David W. 1998. “Mental Control of the Bilingual Lexico-semantic System.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 11: 67–81. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Guerrera, Christine, and Kenneth I. Forster. 2008. “Masked Form Priming with Extreme Transposition.” Language and Cognitive Processes 23 (1): 117–142. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Hervais-Adelman, Alexis, Barbara Moser-Mercer Christoph M. Michel, and Narly Golestani. 2015. “fMRI of simultaneous interpretation reveals the neural basis of extreme language control.” Cerebral Cortex 25 (12): 4727–4739. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Ibáñez Barassi, Agustín J., Pedro Macizo Soria, and Mª. Teresa Bajo Molina. 2010. “Language Access and Language Selection in Professional Translators.” Acta Psychologica 135 (2): 257–266. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Jiang Nan, and Kenneth I. Forster. 2001. “Cross-language Priming Asymmetries in Lexical Decision and Episodic Recognition.” Journal of Memory and Language 441: 32–51. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Kinoshita, Sachiko, and Steve J. Lupker. 2003. Masked Priming: The State of the Art. New York: Psychology Press.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Kim, Jeesun, and Chris Davis. 2003. “Task Effects in Masked Cross-script Translation and Phonological Priming.” Journal of Memory and Language 49 (4): 484–499. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Köpke, Barbara, and Teresa M. Signorelli. 2012. “Methodological Aspects of Working Memory Assessment in Simultaneous Interpreters.” International Journal of Bilingualism 16 (2): 183–197. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Kroll, Judith F., Janet G. van Hell, Natasha Tokowicz, and David W. Green. 2010. “The Revised Hierarchical Model: A Critical Review and Assessment.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 13 (3): 373–381. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Lupker, Steve J., and Colin J. Davis. 2009. “Sandwich Priming: A Method for Overcoming the Limitations of Masked Priming by Reducing Lexical Competitor Effects.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition 35 (3): 618–639.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Meyer, David E., and Roger W. Schvaneveldt. 1971. “Facilitation in Recognizing Pairs of Words: Evidence of Dependence between Retrieval Operations.” Journal of Experimental Psychology 90 (2): 227–234. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Misra, Maya, and Phillip J. Holcomb. 2003. “Event-related Potential Indices of Masked Repetition Priming.” Psychophysiology 40 (1): 115–130. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Moreno, Eva M., Kara D. Federmeier, and Marta Kutas. 2002. “Switching Languages, Switching Palabras (Words): An Electrophysiological Study of Code Switching.” Brain and Language 801: 188–207. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Perea Lara, Manuel, Jon Andoni Duñabeitia Landaburu, and Manuel Carreiras Valiña. 2008. “Masked Associative/Semantic and Identity Priming Effects across Languages with Highly Proficient Bilinguals.” Journal of Memory and Language 581: 916–930. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Phillips, Natalie A., Norman Segalowitz, Irena O’Brien, and Naomi Yamasaki. 2004. “Semantic Priming in First and Second Language: Evidence from Reaction Time Variability and Event-related Brain Potentials.” Journal of Neurolinguistics 17 (2–3): 237–262. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Potter, Mary C., Kwok-Fai So, Barbara Von Eckardt, and Lauire B. Feldman. 1984. “Lexical and Conceptual Representations in Beginning and More Proficient Bilinguals.” Journal of Verbal Learning and Behavior 23 (1): 23–38. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Proverbio, Alice Mado, Giuliana Leoni, and Alberto Zani. 2004. “Language Switching Mechanisms in Simultaneous Interpreters: An ERP Study.” Neuropsychologia 42 (12): 1636–1656. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
van Heuven, Walter J. B., Ton Dijkstra, and Jonathan Grainger. 1998. “Orthographic Neighborhood Effect in Bilingual Word Recognition.” Journal of Memory and Language 39 (3): 458–483. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Wang, Xin. 2013. “Language Dominance in Translation Priming: Evidence from Balanced and Unbalanced Chinese-English Bilinguals.” The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology 66 (4): 727–43. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Wang, Xin, and Kenneth I. Forster. 2010. “Masked Translation Priming with Semantic Categorization: Testing the Sense Model.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 13 (03): 327–340. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Wang, Xin, and Kenneth I. Forster. 2014. “Is Translation Priming Asymmetry Due to Partial Awareness of the Prime?” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 18 (4): 657–669. ![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Yudes Gómez, Carolina, Pedro Macizo Soria, and Mª. Teresa Bajo Molina. 2011. “The Influence of Expertise in Simultaneous Interpreting on Non-verbal Executive Processes.” Frontiers in Psychology 309 (2): 1–9.![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Cited by (1)
Cited by one other publication
Chen, Jianlin, Junzhao Wang, Zhaxi Cairang, Yanyan Xiong & Congxia Zhang
2023.
Examining non-task language effect on production-based language switching: Evidence from Tibetan-Chinese-English trilinguals.
International Journal of Bilingualism 27:5
► pp. 795 ff.
![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 10 july 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
Any errors therein should be reported to them.