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Language influences our core number representation. Bilinguals using a base-20 number system showed unique brain activity (gamma band synchronization) when comparing numbers, unlike those using a base-10 system.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Linguistics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • The influence of language on core numerical magnitude representation remains debated.
  • Existing views suggest language may not significantly modulate quantity comparison.
  • Cultural and linguistic factors, however, may subtly shape numerical cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether linguistic input impacts the core number representational system.
  • To explore the role of bilingualism, specifically Basque-Spanish bilinguals with distinct numerical systems, in this phenomenon.
  • To identify neural correlates associated with language-specific number representations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) oscillatory activity during a number comparison task.
  • Comparison of brain activity in Basque-Spanish bilinguals exposed to base-20 (Basque) versus base-10 (Spanish) number systems.
  • Focus on gamma band synchronization as a neural index.

Main Results:

  • Gamma band synchronization was observed in Basque-Spanish bilinguals when comparing numbers within the Basque base-20 system.
  • This specific gamma activity was absent when numbers were related via the Spanish base-10 system.
  • The neural index was present only in bilinguals who learned mathematics in Basque, not in those who learned in Spanish.

Conclusions:

  • Early learning experiences with distinct numerical systems, like the Basque base-20, leave linguistic imprints on core number representation.
  • Gamma band synchrony in a left fronto-parietal network serves as a neural marker for language-influenced numerical cognition.
  • This finding challenges the notion that core quantity representation is entirely language-independent.