Word learning in two languages: Neural overlap and representational differences. (8th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Roberto A.; Vinson, David; Dijkstra, Ton; Vigliocco, Gabriella
• Is Part Of: Neuropsychologia. Volume 150(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-08
• Subjects: Word learning -- Second language acquisition -- Bilingualism -- fMRI -- Prefrontal cortex; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3932

Abstract

Abstract: We investigated the neural basis of newly learned words in Spanish as a mother tongue (L1) and English as a second language (L2). Participants acquired new names for real but unfamiliar concepts in both languages over the course of two days. On day 3, they completed a semantic categorization task during fMRI scanning. The results revealed largely overlapping brain regions for newly learned words in Spanish and English. However, Spanish showed a heightened BOLD response within prefrontal cortex (PFC), due to increased competition of existing lexical representations. In contrast, English displayed higher activity than Spanish within primary auditory cortex, which suggests increased phonological processing due to more irregular phonological-orthographic mappings. Overall, these results suggest that novel words are learned similarly in Spanish L1 and English L2, and that they are represented in largely overlapping brain regions. However, they differ in terms of cognitive control and phonological processes. Highlights: Newly learned words in Spanish L1 and English L2 are stored in largely overlapping brain regions. Spanish newly learned words show a heightened BOLD response within prefrontal cortex (PFC). English newly learned words display higher activity than Spanish within primary auditory cortex. Novel words are learned similarly in Spanish L1 and English L2. Newly learned words in Spanish and English differ in terms of cognitive control and phonological processes.