Brain changes associated with language development and learning: A primer on methodology and applications

Luk, G., Pliatsikas, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7093-1773 and Rossi, E. (2020) Brain changes associated with language development and learning: A primer on methodology and applications. System, 89. 102209. ISSN 0346-251X doi: 10.1016/j.system.2020.102209

Abstract/Summary

Brain plasticity associated with second language acquisition and learning has been a focus of research in the past two decades. Recent research on cognitive neuroscience has enriched current understanding on the neurological underpinning of second language learning. Beyond behavioral findings, examining brain functions and structures provides a biological explanation of how language acquisition (as a natural experience) and learning (as an active skill and knowledge acquisition process) shapes the human brain. Together, combining cognitive neuroscience methods and second language acquisition and learning has offered an opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration. To facilitate cross-disciplinary understanding and potential research collaboration, this review paper aims to provide an overview of the major cognitive neuroscience methodologies adopted to study second language acquisition and learning. A selection of empirical studies covers second language acquisition in developing children, bilingualism as a naturally-occurring experience, and short-term second language learning in laboratory settings. Brain structural (diffusion tensor imaging, DTI; and voxel-based morphometry, VBM) and functional (electroencephalography, EEG; and event-related potentials, EPRs) methods are briefly discussed with suggested further readings. The paper ends with future directions using these methodologies to explore brain changes in response to second language teaching and learning experience.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/88597
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.system.2020.102209
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism (CeLM) Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Language and Cognition
Uncontrolled Keywords	bilingualism, cognitive neuroscience, second language learning, structural MRI, EEG/ERPs
Publisher	Elsevier
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