Role of Rehearsal Language in Working Memory

Abstract

The current study investigates the effect of the language of rehearsal on working memory spans. We hypothesised that, in bilinguals, rehearsal in a language whose digits are shorter in length leads to better working memory spans compared to rehearsals in a language with longer digit length. We measured backward digit spans in 24 bilingual individuals with proficiencies in Kannada (native language) and English rated as `good' or better. The back- ward digit spans were measured under three conditions; (i) no instructions regarding rehearsal language, (ii) overt rehearsal in Kannada, (iii) overt rehearsal in English. Digits were presented only in Kannada language for all the three rehearsal conditions. Results indicated that rehearsal in English (shorter digit length) resulted in higher scores than the other two conditions. The results provide evidence to the existence of word-length effects even at the level of rehearsal strategies.