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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Cerebral Blood Flow-Based Resting State Functional Connectivity of the Human Brain using Optical Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

Cerebral Blood Flow-Based Resting State Functional Connectivity of the Human Brain using Optical Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2020

Resting-state functional connectivity and reading abilities in first and second languages.

Mingxia Zhang¹, Jin Li, Chuansheng Chen

¹National Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.

|September 24, 2013

Summary

Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) within the reading network positively correlates with reading skills in both native (L1) and second languages (L2). This neural marker offers insights into bilingual reading abilities.

Keywords:

First and second languages Functional connectivity Reading ability Resting-state The reading network

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Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Cerebral Blood Flow-Based Resting State Functional Connectivity of the Human Brain using Optical Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

Cerebral Blood Flow-Based Resting State Functional Connectivity of the Human Brain using Optical Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2020

Dynamic Inter-subject Functional Connectivity Reveals Moment-to-Moment Brain Network Configurations Driven by Continuous or Communication Paradigms

Dynamic Inter-subject Functional Connectivity Reveals Moment-to-Moment Brain Network Configurations Driven by Continuous or Communication Paradigms

Published on: March 21, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Linguistics

Background:

Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) is increasingly linked to cognitive functions.
Understanding the neural basis of reading abilities in native and second languages is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the correlation between RSFC within the reading network and reading abilities in native Chinese (L1) and English (L2).
To identify shared and distinct neural correlates of L1 and L2 reading proficiency.

Main Methods:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure RSFC.
Correlation analyses between RSFC measures and standardized reading ability scores.
Conjunction and contrast analyses to compare neural correlates across L1 and L2.

Main Results:

Positive correlation found between RSFC within the reading network and reading abilities in both L1 and L2.
Negative correlation observed between RSFC linking reading and default networks with reading abilities in both languages.
Shared RSFC correlates for L1 and L2 reading involve visual analysis and phonological processing areas.

Conclusions:

RSFC within the reading network serves as a potential neural marker for reading proficiency in both native and second languages.
Findings suggest overlapping neural mechanisms for L1 and L2 reading.
The study has significant theoretical implications for understanding bilingualism and reading.