The impact of multiple language exposure on cognition during childhood: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Many studies argue that exposure to, and use of, multiple languages in childhood has beneficial effects beyond the linguistic domain, including on executive functions (EFs), although recent evidence remains controversial. EFs encompass abilities necessary for regulating goal-directed behaviours in everyday life and, in children, EFs strongly predict later academic achievement and wellbeing. One theoretical framework distinguishes "hot" EFs, which have a reward or affective component, from "cool" EFs that do not. How exposure to more than one language in early childhood modulates hot and cool EFs in later childhood, alongside other environmental and cognitive factors, remains poorly understood.

Methods

We analysed data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a large

SUBMITTER: Clayden JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10233113 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature