Lifelong interplay between language and cognition: from language learning to perspective-taking, new insights into the ageing mind
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Date
02/07/2018Author
Long, Madeleine Rebecca Anne
Metadata
Abstract
A fundamental question in language research is the extent to which linguistic
and cognitive systems interact. The aim of this thesis is to explore that relationship
across new contexts and over the entire adult lifespan. This work centers on two
branches of empirical research: the first is an investigation into the impact of later-life
language learning on cognitive ageing (chapters 2-4), and the second examines
the cognitive mechanisms underlying communicative perspective-taking from young
adulthood into old age (chapter 5). The results of these chapters demonstrate that
changes to one’s linguistic environment can affect cognitive functions at any age,
and similarly age-related changes to cognition can affect linguistic abilities,
shedding light on the extent to which language and the brain are intricately
connected over the lifespan. In the discussion (chapter 6), I consider how this work
contributes new insights to the field, opening the door for future research to explore
methods of improving cognitive abilities and linguistic behavior in old age.
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