Voluntary use of two languages when counting in bilingual contexts

Abstract

Puerto Rican Spanish-English bilingual adults can occasionally switch between their languages within a counting sequence; i.e., if they start counting in one language, they may choose to switch into the other language while counting the same set of objects. The present study explores the contexts in which a language switch within a counting sequence occurs. The participants read sentences and counted images in monolingual and bilingual conditions. The overall results display a preference to count in Spanish and maintain its use throughout the counting process when allowed to use their languages as desired. Five participants performed voluntary language switching within a counting sequence in bilingual conditions. Many participants also alternated their use of Spanish and English for counting across stimuli sets in these conditions. The participants’ performance is described and analysed with respect to variables such as the initial language of use for counting, language proficiency and language history.