FEATURES OF POLYLINGUAL SPEECH ACTIVITIES IN ADULTS

Abstract

The article explores a range of features of polylingual speech activity in adults and examines the relationship between polylingualism and these characteristics. Contemporary scientific studies on this issue are analyzed. According to the results of numerous studies, it is generalized that multilingualism develops working memory, attention control, cognitive inhibition and flexibility, and is also positively correlated with academic performance; that multilingualism is able to slow down age-related decline in brain functions, postpone the manifestations of dementia and increase resistance to neurological disorders. According to neurolinguistic studies, it is generalized that multilingualism activates neural ensembles, promotes brain plasticity and forms a "cognitive reserve" that supports the effectiveness of thinking throughout life. The results of our empirical study are presented, focusing on several aspects of the cognitive, behavioral, and communicative spheres of the polylingual personality, such as intelligence, creativity, and communicative tolerance, using the following psychodiagnostic tools: the “Raven’s Progressive Matrices” test, the “S. Mednick’s Creativity Test,” and V.V. Boyko’s “Diagnostic Method for the Level of Communicative Tolerance.” The results of statistical analysis conducted using Student’s t-test for independent samples are provided. Statistically significant differences were identified between the experimental groups of polylinguals and monolinguals across the studied parameters. The obtained results can be applied to the development and improvement of foreign language learning programs, as well as to the creation of methodological recommendations for the development of polylingual speech competence among pupils, students, educators, and translators.