White-matter structure in the right hemisphere predicts Mandarin Chinese learning success. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qi, Zhenghan; Han, Michelle; Garel, Keri; San Chen, Ee; Gabrieli, John D.E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurolinguistics. Volume 33(2015)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Second-language acquisition -- Mandarin -- Diffusion tensor imaging -- White matter -- Right hemisphere; Neurolinguistics -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; Brain -- physiology -- Periodicals; Language -- physiology -- Periodicals; Neurolinguistique -- Périodiques; Langage et langues -- Aspect physiologique -- Périodiques; Psycholinguistique -- Périodiques; Language and languages -- Physiological aspects; Neurolinguistics; Psycholinguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroling.2014.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0911-6044

Abstract

Abstract: Second language learning becomes increasingly difficult with age, but some adults learn more successfully than others. We examined whether inter-subject variability in the microstructure of white matter pathways, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), would predict native English speakers' outcomes in learning Mandarin Chinese. Twenty-one adults were scanned before participating in an intensive 4-week Mandarin course. At the end of the Mandarin course, participants completed a final exam that assessed their skills in both spoken and written Mandarin. Individual participants' white-matter tracts were reconstructed from their native DTI data and related to final-exam performance. Superior language learning was correlated with DTI measures in the right hemisphere, but not in the left hemisphere. In particular, greater initial fractional anisotropy (FA) in both the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (parietal bundle) and the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus was associated with more successful Mandarin learning. The relation between white-matter structure in the right hemisphere of native English speakers and successful initial language learning may reflect the tonal and visuo-spatial properties, respectively, of spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. Highlights: Native English speakers were trained in a 4-week Mandarin classroom course. Microstructure of white matter tracts was measured with diffusion tensor imaging. Diffusion measures of right-hemisphere tracts predicted Mandarin-learning ability. Rightward laterality of white matter pathways was associated with better learning.