Neural changes in sign language vocabulary learning: Tracking lexical integration with ERP measures

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Linguistics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Sign language acquisition involves complex neural processing.
• Understanding early learning stages is crucial for sign language research.
• The N400 component reflects semantic processing and is sensitive to learning effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neural changes during early sign language vocabulary acquisition in hearing non-signers.
• To examine the impact of intensive Catalan Sign Language (LSC) learning on brain activity.
• To assess the temporal dynamics of lexicality and semantic priming effects in new sign language learners.

Main Methods:

• Utilized N400 event-related potentials (ERPs) to measure neural responses.
• Employed two priming tasks: a semantic decision task and a Catalan Sign Language (LSC) primed lexical decision task.
• Exposed participants to LSC signs over three laboratory sessions within one week.

Main Results:

• Observed N400 effects related to lexicality and semantic priming in the LSC lexical decision task by the third session.
• Detected N400 effects linked to LSC phonological activation during word processing in the semantic decision task during the third session.
• Demonstrated significant neural changes indicative of rapid learning within the initial week of LSC exposure.

Conclusions:

• Intensive sign language vocabulary training induces rapid neural adaptations.
• Lexicality and semantic effects emerge quickly during early sign language learning.
• Findings provide insights into the neural underpinnings of sign language acquisition and its linguistic properties.