ABSTRACT
This chapter considers choice of language for performing cognitive operations. It looks at test-taking strategies. The fact is that for bilinguals and multilinguals especially for those with at least minimal control of a second or third language, there is an element of choice involved in arriving at the languages used in performing cognitive operations. Sociolinguistic surveys have investigated the internal functions of language. The survey was in part prompted by a desire to improve upon definitions of bilingualism which do not typically take into account internal or private functions of the two languages, such as self-organization, mental calculations, memory tasks, unconscious uses, praying, and display of emotions. Classroom observation was used to obtain data regarding language use patterns in whole-class, group, and paired interaction that is, who said what to whom, in what language, and under what circumstances. The main source of information was from verbal report protocols.
