Verbal working memory, language skills and multilingualism in kindergarten.

Abstract

Verbal working memory plays an important role in the development of language skills in children, and is also important when learning multiple languages because it contributes to memorizing and processing information. Studies show that multilingualism can negatively influence the development of language skills in young children, and the influence on verbal working memory remains unclear. In this study, 96 children from six different Dutch primary schools were examined on verbal working memory, language skills and multilingualism. Spearman’s rho correlational analysis shows that there is a positive connection between verbal working memory and language skills. A t test and a Mann-Whitney U test showed no differences between monolingual and multilingual children in verbal working memory or language skills. Finally, a hierachical multiple regression analysis showed no moderation effect of multilingualism on the relationship between verbal working memory and language skills. The relation between verbal working mamory and language skills does not appear to differ between monolingual and multiligual children. This indicates that monolingual and multiligual children don’t need a different approach in learning language skills. Concluding, multilingualism does not appear to have a significant influence on the relationship between verbal working memory and language skills in kindergarten.