Neural correlates of lexical processing in child L2 learners

描述(申请人提供)：该项目旨在揭示两种语言在儿童早期从初学者向中级二语使用者过渡时处理两种语言的神经关联。为了实现这一目标，拟议的项目将使用功能磁共振成像(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(L2 AOA)和语言水平在神经层面上对双语语言的加工起着重要作用。对美国早期二语儿童学习者的研究表明，双语者在上学的前五年从第一语言主导过渡到第二语言主导，并在成年后保持第二语言主导的模式。为了阐明儿童二语学习者双语能力的神经关联的性质，该项目将对8岁、10岁和12岁的双语儿童进行测试，这些时间点对应于二语习得的早期阶段，直到更高级的二语知识。孩子们将被要求在接受功能磁共振扫描的同时重复听讲的单词。这些研究的结果将有助于阐明儿童时期第一语言习得与第二语言习得的神经基础。最后，本研究将比较两个相互竞争的模型的预测，这两个模型认为二语习得涉及程序性记忆和陈述性记忆的不同使用，或者涉及感觉运动加工的变化。公共卫生相关性：拟议的项目旨在揭示在儿童早期将两种语言作为双语者从初学者过渡到中级二语使用者的神经关联。这些研究结果应有助于为临床医生评估和治疗患有语言障碍的年轻二语学习者提供背景资料。

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.