Chapter 11. Language selection, control, 
and conceptual-lexical development 
in bilinguals and multilinguals

This chapter presents recent developments in the cognitive underpinnings of bilingual speech production. Upon close observation of the theories explaining how speakers of non-native languages are able to select the language in which to speak and control cross-linguistic interference from non-target words competing for selection, it is apparent that these abilities – and more generally, the cognitive processes of bilingual speech production – take shape in the context of a dynamic conceptual and lexical framework that is adaptable to accommodate various functionalities during non-native language development. This chapter also addresses the effects of language acquisition beyond two languages and highlights the implications for teaching and learning of non-native languages by advocating for immersion experiences and pedagogical considerations that foster conceptual and lexical development.