Cross-language activation in bimodal bilinguals: Do mouthings affect the co-activation of speech during sign recognition?

Abstract The present study provides insight into cross-language activation in hearing bimodal bilinguals by (1) examining co-activation of spoken words during processing signs bilingual users Dutch (their L1) and Sign Language the Netherlands (NGT; late learners) (2) investigating contribution mouthings to activation. NGT were presented with or without two sign-picture verification experiments. In both experiments phonological relation (unrelated, cohort overlap final rhyme overlap) between translation equivalents pictures was manipulated. Across experiments, results showed slower responses for pairs relative phonologically unrelated pairs, indicating language sign processing, but no significant effect Dutch. addition, not affected presence absence mouthings.