The effects of bi/multilingualism on brain structure and function

About the Project

Increasing evidence suggests that speaking two or more languages has particular effects on the brain: First, it appears to change its function, structure and connectivity (Pliatsikas, 2020; Pliatsikas and Luk, 2016), and second, it appears to enhance the cognitive abilities of bi-/multilinguals, as well as to preserve them in older age, creating what has been dubbed a “cognitive reserve” in elderly bilinguals (Bialystok, Craik, & Luk, 2012). The proposed research aims to build on the existing literature by using behavioural and neuroimaging methods to investigate questions such as: how do these behavioural and structural effects develop over time, and with increased bilingual experience? Are factors such as proficiency and immersion in bilingual environments critical? What are the effects in situations such as bimodal bilingualism (where individuals use a sign and a spoken language) and bidialectalism/diglossia (where individuals speak two variants of the same language?). For more details, check the relevant lab page (https://research.reading.ac.uk/christos-lab/)

Funding Notes

BSc (first class or 2.1) and MSc Merit or Distinction, in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurolinguistics, or a related discipline