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Explicit and implicit second language training differentially affect the achievement of native-like brain activation

Kara Morgan-Short¹, Karsten Steinhauer, Cristina Sanz

¹Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1706 University Hall, MC-315, 601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA. karams@uic.edu

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

|August 25, 2011

Summary

Adults can learn foreign languages using native-like brain mechanisms, but the learning method matters. Implicit, immersion-style training leads to native-like neural responses, unlike explicit, grammar-focused methods.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Second Language Acquisition
Cognitive Psychology

Background:

Traditional views suggest adults cannot acquire foreign languages like children learn their first.
Emerging evidence indicates adult learners can utilize native-like neural pathways for language processing.
The impact of different training methodologies on adult language learning remains an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether explicit versus implicit foreign language training differentially affects neural and behavioral measures of syntactic processing in adults.
To determine if adult learners can achieve native-like brain mechanisms for language processing.
To explore the crucial role of learning conditions in attaining native-like language acquisition.

Main Methods:

Utilized an artificial language paradigm for longitudinal examination of adult learners.
Compared explicit (grammar-focused) and implicit (immersion-like) training conditions.
Assessed neural activity using electrophysiological event-related potentials (ERPs) and behavioral performance at varying proficiency levels.

Main Results:

Behavioral performance did not differ significantly between explicit and implicit training groups.
Electrophysiological measures revealed distinct neural processing patterns between groups.
Implicit training led to native-like electrophysiological signatures (anterior negativity, P600, late anterior negativity) at high proficiency, while explicit training showed a different pattern (anterior positivity, P600).

Conclusions:

Adult foreign language learners can develop native-like language brain mechanisms.
Implicit training is more effective than explicit training in eliciting native-like electrophysiological responses.
The learning environment and training methodology are critical factors for achieving native-like second language acquisition in adults.