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Native-like brain processing of syntax can be attained by university foreign language learners
Harriet Wood Bowden1, Karsten Steinhauer, Cristina Sanz
1Department of Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 701 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Neuropsychologia
|September 21, 2013
Summary
Neurocognition of late-learned Spanish shows that semantic processing relies on native-like brain mechanisms. Syntactic processing can become native-like with sufficient exposure and immersion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
Background:
- Second language acquisition (SLA) research investigates how the brain processes new languages.
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) offer insights into the timing and location of neural processes during language comprehension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying semantic and syntactic processing in late-learned second language (L2) Spanish.
- To compare brain responses in low-intermediate and advanced L2 learners with native (L1) speakers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) to measure brain activity.
- Presented semantic and syntactic word-order violations to participants.
- Analyzed N400 and LAN/P600 components associated with semantic and syntactic processing.
Main Results:
- Semantic violations elicited N400s in all groups (L1, L2 Low, L2 Advanced).
- Syntactic violations elicited LAN/P600 responses in L1 and L2 Advanced groups, but not L2 Low.
- LAN/P600 responses were statistically similar between L1 and L2 Advanced groups.
Conclusions:
- L2 semantic processing consistently utilizes native-like neurocognitive mechanisms.
- L2 syntactic processing can shift towards native-like patterns with increased proficiency, exposure, and immersion.
- Typical university foreign-language learners can achieve substantial native-like brain processing of syntax.
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