Perspectives on the Multilingual Lexicon: A Critical Synthesis

Abstract

The starting point of this concluding synthesis is that the current locus of discussion in respect of the multilingual lexicon is the issue of the relationship between the operations of the mental lexicons associated with the different languages known to the multilingual individual. The article begins by examining some arguments that have hitherto been put with regard to the question of the degree to which such lexical operations are separate or integrated; it goes on to look at a founding model of this discussion; and, finally, it attempts to situate the various contributions to this volume in respect of the different perspectives which have emerged from previous debate.