Multilingual learning and cognitive restructuring: The role of audiovisual media exposure in Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals’ motion event cognition

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Can learning additional languages affect what we perceive to be similar events? The current study explores the impact of a second language (L2) third (L3) on how motion is categorized in functional Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals. Specifically, it examines extent which L1 speakers Cantonese (equipollent-framed) with an L2-English (satellite-framed) L3-Japanese (verb-framed) restructure their lexicalization conceptualization voluntary through audiovisual media exposure target language. Design/methodology/approach: A total 150 participants were recruited divided into five groups: three groups monolinguals Cantonese, English, Japanese as well Cantonese–English bilinguals Participants given linguistic encoding task non-linguistic similarity judgement task. Data analysis: Mixed-effects modelling was used compute participants’ patterns categorical preferences, correlation between degree cognitive restructuring. Findings/conclusions: Multilinguals’ L1-based verbalization categorization showed reverse transfer from both L2 L3. restructuring modulated by TV watching English Japanese. Originality: This extends thinking-for-speaking hypothesis bilingualism multilingualism language–thought interface cross-linguistic influence. It focuses multilinguals partially overlapping systems encode gauge L1, rarely studied combination. Significance/implications: Looking at effects can shed light mechanism perspective, inform question learners integrate experience recalibrate dispositions when sufficient multimodal input.