An ERP study of continuous speech processing. II. Segmentation, semantics, and syntax in non-native speakers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psycholinguistics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Altered language experience affects distinct language subsystems differently.
• Event-related potentials (ERPs) offer insights into neural processing of language.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how late learning of English affects semantic, syntactic, and speech segmentation processing in native Japanese speakers.
• To compare ERP findings in Japanese learners of English with those of native English speakers.

Main Methods:

• Recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) from native Japanese speakers learning English while they listened to English sentences.
• Compared ERP indices of semantic (N400), syntactic (anterior negativity), and word-onset effects between native Japanese learners and native English speakers.

Main Results:

• Native Japanese speakers showed similar semantic processing (N400 effect) as native English speakers.
• Native Japanese speakers did not exhibit syntactic processing effects (anterior negativity) or the word-onset effect seen in native English speakers.

Conclusions:

• Language subsystems exhibit varying degrees of neural plasticity in response to second language acquisition.
• Late bilingualism may differentially impact the neural representation of syntax and phonology compared to semantics.