Overlap and Differences in Brain Networks Underlying the Processing of Complex Sentence Structures in Second Language...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Linguistics

Background:

• The neural basis of second language acquisition (SLA) is debated, particularly for complex grammatical structures.
• While simple structures may share neural systems with the first language (L1), complex structures might recruit distinct or modified networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the brain networks engaged during the processing of complex sentences in proficient second language (L2) users compared to native speakers.
• To examine both activation patterns and functional connectivity within language networks.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
• Task-based connectivity analysis was performed while participants processed complex sentences.

Main Results:

• Both native speakers and proficient L2 users utilized overlapping large-scale inferior frontal and middle temporal language networks for complex sentence processing.
• Increased task-related connectivity was observed in L2 users from inferior frontal to inferior parietal regions, associated with attention and cognitive control.

Conclusions:

• Complex sentence processing in a second language relies on the same core neural language networks as in a native language.
• Enhanced connectivity in attention and cognitive control networks suggests that L2 processing, especially for complex structures, is less automatic and more effortful.