Echoes of Bilingualism: Socioeconomic and Social Resonance in Cognitive Development. Investigating How Bilingualism, Socioeconomic Status, and Social Language Engagement Interact to Influence Neurocognitive Adaptation and Inhibitory Control Across the Lifespan

Abstract

This thesis investigates the interplay between bilingualism, socioeconomic status (SES), and social language engagement, and their impact on neurocognitive adaptation and inhibitory control throughout life. By analyzing data from 169 adults in Northern Norway, it provides new insights into how these factors contribute to cognitive resilience and executive functions. The study's mixed-method approach, which includes interviews, EEG measurements, and cognitive tasks, reveals that bilingualism significantly boosts inhibitory control due to the ongoing management of dual language systems. This enhancement of neural circuits supports executive functioning, while higher SES correlates with improved cognitive and language development through enriched linguistic environments and better educational resources. Furthermore, the thesis underscores the contributions of social engagement to cognitive health, providing emotional support and continuous cognitive stimulation. Using EEG and time-frequency representations, neural activity patterns related to inhibitory control and conflict monitoring are identified. The findings offer a theoretical framework and practical implications for leveraging bilingualism and addressing SES disparities, enhancing cognitive health across diverse populations.