Abstract
Language processing in bilingual individuals differs from monolinguals, involving a dynamic control that is adaptable and constantly evolving with experience. Bilinguals experience simultaneous activation of both language systems during lexical tasks, suggesting shared semantic representations that facilitate the activation of potential words in either language. Studies show that bilingualism influences executive functions and language processing in unique ways, revealing cognitive and neural adaptations not present in monolinguals. These adaptations, particularly the capacity for inhibitory control, play a crucial role in the selection and co-activation of languages. Emerging evidence supports the notion that bilinguals' co-activated languages are in competition, with inhibition being key to managing this competition, especially in reversing language dominance effects. The adaptive control hypothesis posits that lifelong bilingualism shapes neural mechanisms, resulting in functional plasticity of language organization and control. This plasticity is reflected in phenomena like reversed language dominance, observed in tasks measuring bilingual lexical access and control. Through a series of experiments examining bilingual lexical production and cognitive tasks, research has begun to untangle the complex interactions between cognitive ability, language experience, and bilingual lexical control mechanisms. The results reinforce the importance of using objective measures alongside self-reporting to understand language dominance and proficiency. Overall, the findings advance our understanding of the cognitive consequences of bilingual language use and inform theories on bilingual lexical access and control.