Neural correlates of lexical processing in child L2 learners

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议的项目旨在揭示处理两种语言的神经相关性作为双语过渡从新手到中级L2扬声器在幼儿期。为了实现这一目标，拟议的项目将使用功能性磁共振成像（fMRI），它通过与血流和能量代谢相关的脱氧血红蛋白的变化间接测量神经活动。最近的研究发现，第二语言习得年龄和语言水平在神经水平上对双语语言处理都有影响。对美国早期第二语言儿童学习者的研究表明，双语者在上学的头五年里从第一语言过渡到第二语言，并在成年后保持第二语言优势的模式。为了阐明儿童L2学习者双语的神经相关性的性质，拟议的项目将测试双语儿童在8岁，10岁和12岁，这对应的时间点对应的L2收购的早期阶段，以更先进的L2知识。孩子们将被要求在接受功能性磁共振成像扫描时重复错误的单词。从拟议的研究结果将有助于阐明神经基板区分第一和第二语言习得在儿童时期。最后，拟议的研究将比较两个竞争模型的预测，认为L2收购涉及程序和陈述性记忆的差异使用或涉及感觉运动处理的变化。公共卫生相关性：该项目旨在揭示双语者在幼儿时期从初学者过渡到中级L2扬声器时处理两种语言的神经相关性。这些研究的结果应该有助于提供背景，这将有助于临床医生在评估和治疗年轻的第二语言学习者的语言障碍。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed project is designed to uncover the neural correlates of processing two languages as bilinguals transition from novice to intermediate L2 speakers in early childhood. To achieve this, the proposed project will use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), which measures neural activity indirectly via changes in deoxyhemoglobin which is correlated with blood flow and energy metabolism. Recent research has found that both age of second language acquisition (L2 AoA) and language proficiency play a role in bilingual language processing at the neural level. Research with early L2 child learners in the United States indicate that bilinguals transition from L1 to L2 dominance during the first five years of schooling and maintain a pattern of L2 dominance into adulthood. To elucidate the nature of the neural correlates of bilingualism in child L2 learners, the proposed project will test bilingual children at age 8, 10, and 12, which correspond to time points corresponding to early stages of L2 acquisition up to more advanced L2 knowledge. Children will be asked to repeat auditorily presented words while being scanned with fMRI. The results from the proposed studies will help to elucidate the neural substrates that differentiate first from second language acquisition during childhood. Finally, the proposed studies will compare predictions from two competing models which view L2 acquisition as involving differential use of procedural and declarative memory or involving changes in sensorimotor processing. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed project is designed to uncover the neural correlates of processing two languages as bilinguals transition from novice to intermediate L2 speakers in early childhood. The results from these studies should help to provide background which will help clinicians in the assessment and treatment of young L2 learners with language disorders.