A Bilingual Advantage on Word Learning-Factors Influence on Lexical Development of Bilinguals

Lexical development is the changes that occur in vocabulary knowledge. The central role of the lexicon in language and vocabulary development makes it an integral aspect in the study of bilingualism. In recent years, there are many studies on lexical development in bilinguals. By reviewing these related studies, it reveals that the age of acquisition, executive function and early language environment are three significant factors contributing to individual differences in vocabulary growth and lexical development. The primary purpose of this study is to profile lexical development in bilinguals and to examine the effects of age, executive function and early language environment on lexical development. Also, a bilingual advantage for word learning is viewed so as to exam if there is any advantage of bilinguals in lexical development.