Preparation wears off anticipation: The influence of preparation time on bilingual proactive control

Aims and objectives: This study investigates the influence of preparation time, operationalized as the cue-to-stimulus interval (CSI), on the reversed language dominance effect, a marker of proactive bilingual language control. In addition, the study further explores the role of language proficiency in modulating this influence. Methodology: Two groups of Chinese-English bilinguals, with high- and low-proficiency levels, completed a picture-naming task in single-language and cued mixed-language blocks. Crucially, in the mixed-language blocks, the preparation time between cue and stimulus was manipulated by including CSIs of 0, 800, and 1,500 ms. Data and analysis: Sixty-five Chinese-English bilinguals (low proficiency, n = 29; high proficiency, n = 36) participated in the study. Findings: The findings demonstrate that the reversed language dominance effect is influenced by the amount of preparation time available. Specifically, the effect observed at a 0 ms CSI could be mitigated with preparation times of 800 and 1,500 ms, with this reduction occurring for both high- and low-proficiency participants. Originality: This paper is among the first attempts to investigate how preparation time influences proactive language control as measured by the reversed language dominance effect. Significance/implications: Our results help explain the inconsistencies in observing the reversed language dominance effect across studies and enhance our understanding of the application and timing of proactive control in bilingual language processing. They also highlight the importance of considering preparation time when investigating the mechanisms underlying bilingual language production. © The Author(s) 2025.