Research Article

Language Shift Effect on Memory Generalization of Chinese-English Bilinguals

Authors

  • Mengmeng Zuo Master student of School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
  • Lulu Wang Master student of School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China
  • Yaqi Wang Lecturer of School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, Shandong Province, China

Abstract

Language shift occurs when people learn information in one language but recall it in another language. This mismatch between encoding and retrieval language is found to impair memory accuracy when memory is tested immediately after learning. However, does the observed language shift effect still exist after a certain period of delay? Would it influence other aspects of memory, especially memory generalization? To address these two questions, we performed a memory experiment among unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals. In the experiment, participants were required to read two stories (one in English, one in Chinese) and to retell the stories in Chinese from their memories afterward. Delay interval was manipulated in the experiment where participants either took memory recall tests immediately after story-reading or after 24 hours' delay. To analyze memory generalization, we coded the generalized words participants used to retell the stories. The results suggest that language shift (encoding in English and retrieving in Chinese) leads to a more generalized description in a memory recall task. However, the observed language shift effect disappears after 24 hours' delay. It can be concluded that language shift impacts bilingual learners' memory generalization in immediate recall tests, but such effect disappears after 24 hours' delay, which indicates the key role of delay interval in modulating language shift effect.

Article information

Journal

International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation

Volume (Issue)

4 (7)

Pages

71-81

Published

2021-07-30

How to Cite

Zuo, M., Wang, L., & Wang, Y. (2021). Language Shift Effect on Memory Generalization of Chinese-English Bilinguals. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 4(7), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.7.8

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Keywords:

Language shift, Delay interval, Memory generalization, Story recall