Did I hear that right? The impact of bilingual experience on spoken word recognition.

The study of bilingual spoken word recognition (SWR) has provided substantial evidence regarding the interaction between the bilingual’s first language (L1) and second language (L2) in the linguistic system, particularly in terms of parallel activation and crosslinguistic competition. While existing research primarily focuses on between-language competition, emphasising onset information (i.e., cohort competition), very little is known about how diverse bilingual experiences influence the SWR process. This research project takes a comprehensive approach to bilingual SWR, examining within-language competition dynamics in both L1 and L2 across the bilingual development spectrum using the visual world paradigm (VWP). The studies collectively offer crucial insights into the nuanced landscape of lexical competition resolution in bilingual SWR. Study 1 examined L2-immersed Spanish-English late bilinguals (also known as bilingual attriters), revealing distinct L1 competition dynamics influenced by L1 attrition. This study significantly contributes to understanding how prolonged exposure to an L2-dominant environment impacts mechanisms of SWR in the L1. Study 2 explored lexical competition dynamics among sequential bilinguals, uncovering analogous underlying mechanisms within both L1 and L2 SWR processes. The study also highlighted the collective influence of individual differences, enriching our comprehension of the interplay of factors shaping within-L1 and within-L2 competition in L1-dominant environments. In Study 3, the focus shifted to the influence of diverse bilingual experiences within-L1 competition. Three distinct bilingual populations exhibited unique competition resolution strategies, showcasing the substantial impact of bilingual variability on L1 SWR. This study contributes to the growing literature on the adaptability of the bilingual language system in response to varied linguistic experiences. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of bilingual SWR, revealing how diverse bilingual experiences among other factors impact this process across the bilingual continuum. The observed variations emphasise the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the bilingual language system, providing a foundation for future investigations into the complexities of bilingual development in SWR.