The Bilingualism in Context Lab is founded on the philosophy that variation in language experience is a fundamental aspect of language as a cognitive system.
We are uniquely positioned to lead in this endeavor, integrating ecologically grounded questions and multimodal experimental approaches in multiple sites around the world. Our approach is transdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and translational.
We leverage insights from seemingly disparate fields (ethnography, linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience), and strive to create consilience between them by integrating independent, often unrelated sources to converge on a subject matter.
Our research strategy is meticulously crafted, weaving together ecologically grounded multimodal design into a variety of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience techniques (e.g., eye-tracking, pupillometry, and EEG).
We understand that variety in language experience offers the opportunity to explore the adaptive potential of the human mind and brain in all its richness. As such, we are committed to broadening the cultural and linguistic diversity represented in our research agenda by involving lab members, partners, and participants from diverse and underrepresented communities, including those in developing countries. Our impact extends globally, with collaborations in labs and field sites in Africa, North and Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
A key component of our research is an effort to tie language and cognition into the behavioral ecology of bilinguals by situating findings in their broader social contexts. We recognize our role within the communities where we live and work, and our responsibility to bring and represent the diverse lived experiences of our communities center-stage.
Through our chapter of Bilingualism Matters in California, we strive to increase the visibility of our work by translating research discoveries into organizational best practices and community solutions.
The Bilingualism in Context Lab is located in the Cognitive Science Building at UC San Diego (CSB 103-105). The lab is equipped with a conference room for hybrid meetings and a lounge for communal use. Testing facilities include:
A soundproof EMI/RF-shielded chamber equipped with a Brain Vision 32-channel Electroencephalography (EEG) setup
4 behavioral sound-attenuated testing booths equipped with a PC, E-Prime software, Chronos button box, digital flash recorders, and microphones for digital sound recording
1 behavioral sound-attenuated booth equipped with an SR Research EyeLink Portable Duo, a LabHackers Millikey box, and a USB M-Audio M-Track sound card for running visual world experiments
10 designated workstations for experimental design, data coding, and analysis
Designated space for preparing, cleaning, and storing equipment
Testing Rooms
Student Workstations
Breakroom
Hybrid Collaboration Room
