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Native language change during early stages of second language learning
1Department of Psychology, Center for Language Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
Neuroreport
|September 10, 2015
Summary
Second language (L2) learning impacts the native language (L1) even in early stages. Bilinguals show changes in L1 processing, particularly with cognates, regardless of proficiency level.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psycholinguistics
- Second Language Acquisition
Background:
- Bilinguals constantly activate both languages, influencing cognitive processes.
- This coactivation aids cognate processing but can impede lexical access requiring language control.
- Such effects are observable in both native (L1) and second (L2) languages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if native language (L1) changes occur early in second language (L2) learning.
- To determine how L2 proficiency modulates these L1 changes.
- To examine the impact of L2 acquisition on L1 cognitive mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Native English speakers learning Spanish performed L1 lexical decision tasks with cognates.
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) and behavioral measures (reaction times, accuracy) were recorded.
- Control tasks included verbal fluency, working memory, and inhibitory control, compared to monolinguals.
Main Results:
- Intermediate L2 learners showed reduced N400 for L1 cognates, with an emerging effect in beginners.
- No behavioral cognate effect was observed in learners or monolinguals.
- Slower L1 reaction times correlated with larger N400 for cognates across both languages and better inhibitory control in learners.
Conclusions:
- Second language (L2) acquisition influences the native language (L1) from early learning stages.
- Contrary to previous claims, L1 changes are not exclusive to highly proficient bilinguals.
- Cognitive control mechanisms in L1 are affected by ongoing L2 development.
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