Comparison of Semantic Memory Function between Bilingual and Monolingual Children with Specific Learning Difficulties

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to compare semantic memory in monolingual and bilingual children with specific learning disabilities. The research design was fundamental and causal-comparative. A number of 60 children including 30 monolingual (Persian, 15 boys and 15 girls) children from Tehran and 30 bilingual children (Kurdish-Persian, 15 boys and 15 girls) from Javanrood city in 2019-2020 were recruited from special learning disabilities rehabilitation centers using accessible sampling. Data were collected using 4-versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Test (WISC-IV) and the Semantic Memory Test (SMT). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and Friedman test were performed using SPSS-21. The results showed that the semantic memory performance of the monolingual children was better than that of the bilingual children (t=5.40, P<0/05). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between the frequency of letters in Persian and performance in the letter fluency test (2=86.50, P<0.01). The results of the study show that despite the children without specific learning disabilities, monolingual children have better semantic memory function than bilingual children with SLD

Keywords

• bilingualism
• semantic memory
• cognitive functions
• special learning disability