Cognitive restructuring in the multilingual mind: language-specific effects on processing efficiency of caused motion events in Cantonese–English–Japanese speakers

Abstract The current study explores how multilingual speakers with three typologically different languages (satellite-framed, verb-framed and equipollent-framed) encode gauge event similarity in the domain of caused motion. Specifically, it addresses whether, to what extent, acquisition an L2-English L3-Japanese reconstructs lexicalization conceptualization patterns established L1-Cantonese when target language is actively involved decision-making process. Results show that demonstrated ongoing process cognitive restructuring towards (L3) both linguistic encoding (event structures semantic representations) non-linguistic (reaction time). And degree modulated by amount contact L2 L3. suggests learning a means internalizing new way thinking provides positive evidence for L3-biased within framework thinking-for-speaking.