Neural Mechanisms Underlying Reading Impairment in Children Learning a Second Language: A Review

With the growing prevalence of bilingual education, second language (L2) reading impairment has garnered increasing attention. While extensive research has focused on reading impairment in the first language (L1), the neural mechanisms underlying L2 reading impairment have not been systematically and adequately explored. Neuroimaging studies have identified functional abnormalities in regions such as the occipitotemporal and temporoparietal cortices in children with L2 reading impairment. These neural patterns exhibit both commonalities and differences compared to those observed in L1 reading impairment. In this review, we summarized the neurocognitive characteristics of reading impairment in a L2 by comparing them with those in L1. Additionally, we proposed potential mechanisms driving these cross-linguistic differences and commonalities. Finally, we highlighted directions for future research to advance the neurocognitive understanding of L2 reading impairment.