Introducing a Scale on the Socio-Cognitive Dynamics of Contact Language Learning in the Multilingual Context in India

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel scale that will be used to explore the socio-cognitive factors influencing contact language learning in India’s bilingual landscape. Recognizing the uniqueness of India in linguistic diversity, this research project explores the role of social and cognitive processes in regional languages and English while emphasizing related issues like the implications of social interaction, cognitive benefits of multilingualism and obstacles experienced during language learning and the strategies used by learners to overcome those obstacles. It has a standardized questionnaire that sought information from an apparently representative sample of languages and, therefore, reproduces sensitivities of the sociocultural context within India toward attitudes toward language or code-switching. English serves as the lingua franca that would provide socio-economic mobility along with cross-cultural exchanges, while regional languages serve to reinforce cultural identity. Bilingualism will enhance cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and openness to culture. The study thus calls for an inclusive language policy that supports both linguistic skill development and socio-cognitive growth within multilingual communities.