Executive function predicts artificial language learning

• Adults and preschoolers successfully learned a simple, 16-word artificial language.
• Working memory predicted artificial language learning for adults and preschool children.
• English receptive vocabulary was predictive of artificial language learning for adults.
• EF measures accounted for unique variance in artificial language learning for both age groups.
• Findings suggest a possible bidirectional relationship between language-learning and EF.

Previous research suggests executive function (EF) advantages among bilinguals compared to monolingual peers, and these advantages are generally attributed to experience controlling two linguistic systems. However, the possibility that the relationship between bilingualism and EF might be bidirectional has not been widely considered; while experience with two languages might improve EF, better EF skills might also facilitate language learning. In the current studies, we tested whether adults’ and preschool children’s EF abilities predicted success in learning a novel artificial language. After controlling for working memory and English receptive vocabulary, adults’ artificial language performance was predicted by their inhibitory control ability (Study 1) and children’s performance was predicted by their attentional monitoring and shifting ability (Study 2). These findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting that EF processes may be employed during initial stages of language learning, particularly vocabulary acquisition, and support the possibility of a bidirectional relationship between EF and language acquisition.