When bilingualism is the common factor: switch reference at the junction of competence and performance in both second language and heritage language performance

In this paper we take a closer look at the oft-touted divide between heritage language speakers and adult second language (L2) learners. Here, we explore whether some properties of language may display general effects across different populations of bilinguals, explaining, at least partially, why these two groups show some common differences when compared with monolinguals. To test this hypothesis, we adduce data from two unique populations of bilinguals: a moribund variety of heritage German spoken in southwestern Kansas (Moundridge Schweitzer German) and L2 adult learners of Spanish. Empirically, we investigate whether the confound of switch reference adds an additional cognitive burden to these bilinguals in licensing object control predicates in the former and referential subject pronouns in the latter. Our preliminary findings support the view that overarching concepts such as incomplete acquisition cannot capture the variability observed in these populations, thus further supporting approaches that interpret findings such as these to be the result of specific variables

Sodium: Why the Concern?

Concerned that indiscriminate use of salt and other sodium compounds contributes to the incidence and severity of hypertension and other ailments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has started a campaign to persuade Americans to cut excess sodium from their diets. One step in that campaign will be an effort to encourage industry to add less sodium to processed foods. FDA will propose requiring manufacturers to disclose the amount of sodium in products when they use a nutrition label. In addition, FDA will consider legislative options for including sodium labeling on products without nutrition labeling where the need is evident. Finally, it plans to monitor changes in sodium consumption to see whether progress is achieved