Linking L2 proficiency and patterns of functional connectivity during L1 word retrieval

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psycholinguistics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Second language (L2) proficiency varies significantly among learners.
• Native language (L1) skills are a contributing factor to L2 proficiency.
• Neural mechanisms linking L1 and L2 abilities require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the neural underpinnings of the relationship between native language (L1) skills and second language (L2) proficiency.
• To investigate functional brain connectivity differences during L1 word retrieval in L2 learners of varying proficiency levels.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to study 20 L2 learners.
• Participants completed a tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) task assessing L1 word retrieval.
• Analysis focused on functional connectivity between brain regions.

Main Results:

• Low-proficiency L2 learners exhibited increased connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and right temporoparietal regions during L1 retrieval.
• High-proficiency L2 learners showed greater connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and left medial temporal lobe during L1 TOT responses.
• These connectivity differences during L1 processing suggest distinct neural strategies related to L2 learning.

Conclusions:

• Neural connectivity patterns during native language processing differ between low- and high-proficiency second language learners.
• These L1-related neural differences may influence the capacity for and outcomes of second language acquisition.
• Understanding the L1-L2 neural link offers insights into individual differences in language learning.