Do multilingual children outperform bilinguals in vocabulary knowledge? The role of proficiency

• Dosi, Ifigeneia ^[1]
  1. [1] Democritus University of Thrace

     Democritus University of Thrace

     Dimos Komotini, Grecia

     
• Localización: International journal of multilingualism, ISSN 1479-0718, Vol. 23, Nº. 3, 2026, págs. 1732-1752
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • In bilinguals, vocabulary size/breadth in each language is typically smaller than that of monolinguals, due to divided input. Vocabulary depth, however, may be less affected, with some studies suggesting a bilingual advantage. As many children grow up multilingual, it is crucial to examine whether they differ from bilinguals in vocabulary. Since proficiency also varies, disentangling its effects from the number of languages spoken provides a clearer picture of vocabulary development. This study examines Greek vocabulary, focusing on breadth and depth, in three initial groups: Greek-Turkish bilinguals, Greek-Pomak-Turkish multilinguals, and Greek-speaking monolinguals aged 8.4–12.2. For analysis, bilinguals/multilinguals were regrouped by Greek proficiency. Internal factors (age, Age of Onset), external factors (home input, literacy), and proficiency were also considered. Results showed that monolinguals outperformed bilinguals and multilinguals. Expressive vocabulary (number of words children can actively produce) was predicted by age in monolinguals and by proficiency in bilinguals/multilinguals. Predictors for paradigmatic associations (semantic depth) differed: age and expressive vocabulary for monolinguals, home input for low-proficiency, and age, home input and early literacy for high-proficiency bilinguals/multilinguals. Controlling these factors, the differences between high- and low-proficiency bilinguals/multilinguals disappeared, showing that proficiency and external factors may outweigh the number of languages spoken.