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Enhanced activations in syntax-related regions for multilinguals while acquiring a new language
Keita Umejima1, Suzanne Flynn2, Kuniyoshi L Sakai3
1Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|April 1, 2021
Summary
Multilinguals show enhanced brain network activation and faster learning of new languages compared to bilinguals. This suggests a cumulative enhancement model of language acquisition, leveraging existing linguistic knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
Background:
- Multilingualism is a complex cognitive ability with an unclear neuroscientific basis.
- Understanding how the brain processes multiple languages is crucial for cognitive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroscientific differences in acquiring syntactic features of a new language (Kazakh) between multilinguals and bilinguals.
- To evaluate the impact of existing language proficiency on new language acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to monitor brain activity.
- Participants included multilinguals and bilinguals learning Kazakh syntax.
- Response times and brain activation patterns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Multilinguals with higher proficiency required fewer trials to learn Kazakh phonology.
- Multilinguals exhibited larger reductions in response times during initial Kazakh exposure.
- Enhanced activation in bilateral frontal/temporal regions and left ventral inferior frontal gyrus was observed in multilinguals.
- Multilinguals showed sustained activation in visual areas, suggesting visual representation use during auditory tasks.
Conclusions:
- Multilinguals demonstrate more robust engagement of syntax-related and domain-general brain networks.
- The findings support the cumulative-enhancement model of language acquisition, where existing linguistic knowledge facilitates learning.
- The study highlights enhanced cognitive flexibility and neural efficiency in multilingual individuals.
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