Communicating in a non-native language (L2) is a complex task that requires not only mastery of the vocabulary and grammar of L2, but also an understanding of its social and pragmatic conventions.

 

Our research on multilingualism aims to uncover how multilingual speakers navigate cross-linguistic differences, how multiple languages are represented and interact in the bilingual mind/brain, and whether multilingualism confers cognitive advantages—or imposes costs—on other aspects of cognition. We also investigate which features of brain anatomy and function predict successful language learning, and why some individuals struggle to acquire a foreign language despite years of instruction.