Language and categorization in monolinguals and bilinguals
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
People tend to treat like-labeled objects as belonging to the same category. An
open question is whether the use of labels in categorization varies across individuals
due to differences in language experience, linguistic abilities, and/or cognitive
abilities. We address this gap by comparing monolinguals’ and bilinguals’ use of
(phonologically) Licit Words (zeg), Illicit Words (gsz) and non-linguistic cues
(Frames) in forming novel categories. I show that language is unique: Licit Words
drove categorization more strongly than Frames. We also observed flexibility:
bilinguals made use of both Licit and Illicit Words, presumably because of their
willingness to consider novel phonological forms as labels. Across both groups, there
was individual variation: linguistic abilities significantly predicted Licit Word use.
Thus, language acts as a unique category marker for adults, but the way it is used as a
tool for categorization varies systematically as a function of language background and
language processing skills.
Description
Keywords
Language, literature and linguistics, Psychology, Bilingualism, Categorization, Labels