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Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
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Related Experiment Video

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Measuring Statistical Learning Across Modalities and Domains in School-Aged Children Via an Online Platform and Neuroimaging Techniques

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Predictors of spoken language learning.

Patrick C M Wong¹, Marc Ettlinger

¹Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. pwong@northwestern.edu

Journal of Communication Disorders

|May 24, 2011

Summary

Individual differences in adult language learning are linked to brain structure, function, and cognitive abilities. These factors predict learning success, informing tailored training for diverse learners.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Linguistics
Cognitive Science

Background:

Adult language learning success varies significantly.
Understanding individual differences is crucial for effective language acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, cognitive, and perceptual predictors of adult language learning success.
To explore the relationship between pre-training brain and cognitive measures and learning outcomes.

Main Methods:

Two sets of experiments were conducted with native English-speaking adults learning new linguistic features.
Neuroimaging (auditory cortex activation, Heschl's Gyrus volume) and cognitive/perceptual tests were used.
Learning of lexical tone and phonological grammar was assessed.

Main Results:

Higher auditory cortex activation, larger Heschl's Gyrus volume, and better pitch perception predicted success in learning lexical tone.
Neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, and cognitive factors also predicted learning of a phonological grammar system.
Pre-training neural and behavioral measures were significant predictors of spoken language learning.

Conclusions:

Neural and behavioral factors can predict an individual's success in learning a new spoken language.
These predictors can guide the development of personalized language training programs to optimize learning for individuals with different learning profiles.