According to a recent study conducted at Northwestern University, learning a second language can have a profound impact on the way our senses work together to understand speech.
The research, published in the journal Brain Sciences, reveals that bilingual individuals have a greater ability to integrate sight and hearing when making sense of spoken words.
The study, led by Professor Viorica Marian, focused on the observation that bilingual people are more adept at combining visual and auditory cues to interpret speech.
The researchers discovered that language experience has the ability to shape our sensory perception.
One fascinating phenomenon the study explored is called the “McGurk Effect.” When individuals hear a particular speech sound, like “ba,” but simultaneously see a conflicting visual representation, like “ga,” they often perceive an entirely different sound, such as “da.”
The researchers found that bilingual individuals are more likely to experience this illusion, highlighting how language experience can transform our perception of the world around us.
To witness the “McGurk Effect” in action, you can watch a video demonstration available on the Bilingualism and Psycholinguistics Research Group website.
Dr. Sayuri Hayakawa, a co-author of the study, explained that language experience even impacts fundamental cognitive processes. Bilingual and monolingual individuals listening to the same speaker can perceive entirely different sounds, demonstrating how language experience influences our basic understanding of speech.
Previous research has shown that multiple languages compete within the brain, which can make it more challenging for bilingual individuals to process auditory information. Consequently, they may rely more heavily on visual cues to comprehend speech.
The impact of bilingualism extends beyond speech perception and can affect various cognitive domains, including memory, decision-making, and cognitive control. These findings emphasize that learning a second language has the potential to shape our fundamental sensory experiences.
Considering that over half of the global population is bilingual, it is crucial for educators and clinicians working with bilingual individuals to understand how language experience can alter speech processing.
Furthermore, developers of speech recognition technologies like Siri and Alexa, as well as CGI animators, should also take into account the unique effects of bilingualism.
