Does language matter? The influence of linguistic ambiguity on bilinguals’ susceptibility to misinformation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19217582 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ruihong Li (0000-0003-1077-1450, Chongqing University), Bo Chen (0009-0009-0184-3556, Chongqing University), Cun Fu (0009-0009-0237-3875, Chongqing University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-15 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-14 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0143-4632 • E-ISSN: 1747-7557 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/01434632.2026.2672748 |
| OpenAlex | W7161153313 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 43 |
This study investigates how language context and linguistic ambiguity interact to shape bilinguals’ susceptibility to misinformation. While foreign language use has been linked to changes in judgement and decision-making, its role in misinformation detection remains contested. To address this, a sample of 229 Chinese-English bilinguals evaluated several misinformation statements in a 2 (Language: L1 vs. L2) × 2 (Linguistic Ambiguity: Low vs. High) between-subjects design. Data analyzed via mixed-effects models revealed a significant interaction effect between language and ambiguity in misinformation rejection. Specifically, under high-ambiguity conditions, participants were more likely to accept misinformation as true when processing in their foreign language than in their native language. These findings suggest that foreign language processing may be associated with greater tolerance for linguistic ambiguity, thereby weakening the skepticism that ambiguity appears to elicit in the native language. Furthermore, overall reaction time analyses suggested no speed-accuracy trade-off. Although L2 processing was slower, longer reaction times did not improve misinformation rejection. Crucially, erroneous veracity judgements predicted greater willingness to share misinformation. Together, these findings identify an important moderator of the FLE and highlight the role of linguistic ambiguity in rejecting misinformation
Ambiguity · First language · Language proficiency · Language transfer · Misinformation · Multilingualism · Theoretical linguistics · Memory Processes and Influences · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
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| Highly cited | No |
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