Script influence on language switch costs in a Stroop task: Pilot results

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:

Inspired by Yahya & Ozkan Ceylan’s, this study explored reasons for the absence of asymmetrical switch costs and its theoretical implications. Specifically, we aimed to examine whether the type of language script contributes to language control in bilinguals, potentially resulting in anticipated language switch cost asymmetries. We report the preliminary results.

Methodology:

Ten bilingual participants were presented with color words in either Turkish (L1) or Macedonian (L2), printed in congruent or incongruent ink colors. They named the ink color in the language of presentation. Stimuli language and congruency either matched or differed from the previous trial.

Data and Analysis:

Reaction times (RT) were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Findings:

The pilot findings mostly aligned with the original study, with larger switch cost performance in incongruent, and larger Stroop effects in language switch trials. Interestingly, the preliminary results indicate to a greater switch cost for L1 compared to L2, suggesting that script types may affect switch costs. In general results lead into the direction for possible script effects and are in line with and compatible with the original study.

Originality:

This study presents data from Turkish–Macedonian bilinguals, a linguistic population rare in the existing literature.

Significance/Implications:

We addressed potential limitations of the current experimental design, such as ecological validity and ability to demonstrate asymmetries, proposing alternative experimental approaches for future studies.