Nishat, Towhid

It has been widely hypothesized that while doing arithmetic individuals use two distinct
routes for phonological output. A direct route requires exact arithmetic which is thought to have
been linked to language dependent areas of the brain. In addition, an indirect route thought to be
language independent is active during arithmetic approximation that relies on visuo-spatial skills.
The arithmetic double route has been incorporated on the triple code model that consists of
Visual Arabic code for identifying string of digits, magnitude code for knowledge in numeral
quantities, and verbal code for rote arithmetic fact. Our goal is to investigate whether language
experience has an effect on the processing of exact/approximation math using bilingual
participants who have access to two languages. We will measure the 2 groups
monolinguals/bilingual processing speed to complete the 2 tasks Exact/Approximation in 2 codes
Arabic digit/Verbal. We hypothesized a faster reaction time in exact arithmetic task in
comparison to approximation due to it being language dependent. We expect a positive
correlation between self rated language proficiency and exact arithmetic in verbal code. We also
expect a main effect for the task Exact vs. Approximation independent of the input code when
the stimulus was presented in either Arabic digit and/or verbal codes. Results from this study
have implications in understanding the importance of the input code when processing numbers.
Further neuroimaging studies need to be compiled to investigate brain activation during simple
arithmetic when bilinguals use verbal or Arabic digit coding.

It has been widely hypothesized that while doing arithmetic, individuals use two
distinct routes for phonological output. A direct route is used for exact arithmetic which
is language dependent, while an indirect route is used during arithmetic approximation
and thought to be language independent. The arithmetic double route has been
incorporated on the triple- code model that consists of visual arabic code for identifying
strings of digits, magnitude code for knowledge in numeral quantities, and verbal code
for rote arithmetic fact. Our goal is to investigate whether language experience has an
effect on the processing of exact/approximation math using bilingual participants who
have access to two languages, using a theoretical arithmetic processing model, which has
been validated across many studies. We have measured the two groups
(monolinguals/bilinguals) processing speed for completing the two tasks
(Exact/Approximation) in two codes (Arabic digit/Verbal). We hypothesized a faster
reaction time in exact arithmetic task in compared to approximation in accordance with the triple-code model. We alsoexpected a main effect for the task (Exact vs.Approximation) independent of the input code when the stimulus was presented in either Arabic digit and/or verbal codes. Our results show exact arithmetic is faster than
approximation of arithmetic facts in all codes supporting earlier theories. Also, there was
no significant difference in processing speed between monolinguals and bilinguals when
performing the arithmetic task in either Arabic and/or verbal codes. In addition, our
investigation suggests a modification to the triple-code model when interpreting
arithmetic facts in verbal code due to interference of two languages with bilingual
participants. Additions to the model can be suggested when the stimulus is expressed in
verbal code for visual identification, which may cause interference in bilinguals leading
to a first language advantage due to language experience.