Psycholinguistic and Neurolinguistic Aspects of Multilingualism Research

Abstract

In the context of contemporary multilingual practices, increasing attention is being paid to the study of the mechanisms underlying the interaction of multiple languages, as well as the order of their acquisition and processing in the human mind. Today, an integrative approach to the study of multilingualism is particularly relevant, considering it not only as a sociolinguistic phenomenon but also as a complex cognitive process shaped by the specific features of speech activity and cross-linguistic interaction. In this regard, the linguistic context of Kazakhstan presents a unique and valuable field for multilingualism research. A review of the literature demonstrates that the interests of Kazakhstani scholars within the field of psycholinguistics are primarily focused on childhood bilingualism, educational bilingualism, first-, second-, and foreign-language acquisition, as well as processes of language interference and speech errors. Neurolinguistic studies in Kazakhstan represent an emerging area of research; however, recent years have witnessed growing interest in this field, as evidenced by methodological publications, the establishment of research centers and institutes, and the acquisition of specialized equipment necessary for conducting high-quality scientific investigations. The study employs a comprehensive descriptive method, the keyword method, and elements of definitional analysis. The research materials include scholarly publications, lexicographic sources, and educational and methodological literature. The analysis conducted has demonstrated the promising potential for further research into multilingualism in Kazakhstan from psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic perspectives.

Keywords: multilingualism, first language, second language, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics.