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We propose that the ability to manage competition from other languages during novel language use is improved in bilinguals relative to monolinguals due to previous linguistic experience. Cross-linguistic interference is common in bilinguals ( Bijeljac-Babic, Biardeau, & Grainger, 1997 Duyck, Assche, Drieghe, & Hartsuiker, 2007 van Heuven, Dijkstra, & Grainger, 1998 Schwartz & Kroll, 2006 Voga & Grainger, 2007), and as a result, bilinguals may develop mechanisms to control competition more effectively than monolinguals. One obstacle to word retrieval in a new language is competition from similar-sounding words in one’s native language. Learning outcomes may be improved by ensuring that words, once acquired, can be retrieved effectively. Successful acquisition depends not only on learning new words and grammar but also on the ability to retrieve words from memory during language use. There is substantial variability in individual ability to acquire a second or third language, and many learners do not achieve native-like proficiency, particularly later in life ( Birdsong, 2006, 2009). We conclude that language interference can affect lexical retrieval, but bilingualism may reduce this interference by facilitating access to a newly learned language. Results suggest that bilinguals manage cross-linguistic interference more effectively than monolinguals. Mouse-tracking results showed that monolinguals’ mouse movements were attracted to native-language competitors, whereas bilinguals overcame competitor interference by increasing the activation of target items. Eye-tracking results showed that monolinguals looked at competitors more than bilinguals, and for a longer duration of time. Partial activation of interlingual competitors was assessed with eye-tracking and mouse-tracking during a word recognition task in the novel language. To investigate the effect of bilingualism on the ability to control native-language interference, monolinguals and bilinguals were taught an artificial language designed to elicit between-language competition. Experience managing this interference may aid novel language learning by improving the ability to suppress competition from known languages. Parallel language activation in bilinguals leads to competition between languages.