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. 2019 Jan;40(1):98-109.
doi: 10.1002/hbm.24357. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Lexical learning in a new language leads to neural pattern similarity with word reading in native language

Huiling Li  1 , Jing Qu  1 , Chuansheng Chen  2 , Yanjun Chen  1 , Gui Xue  3 , Lei Zhang  1 , Chengrou Lu  1 , Leilei Mei  1
Affiliations

Lexical learning in a new language leads to neural pattern similarity with word reading in native language

Huiling Li et al. Hum Brain Mapp. 2019 Jan.

Abstract

Previous neuroimaging studies have suggested similar neural activations for word reading in native and second languages. However, such similarities were qualitatively determined (i.e., overlapping activation based on traditional univariate activation analysis). In this study, using representational similarity analysis and an artificial language training paradigm, we quantitatively computed cross-language neural pattern similarity to examine the modulatory effect of proficiency in the new language. Twenty-four native Chinese speakers were trained to learn 30 words in a logographic artificial language for 12 days and scanned while performing a semantic decision task after 4-day training and after 12-day training. Results showed that higher proficiency in the new language was associated with higher cross-language pattern similarity in select regions of the reading network.

Keywords: fMRI; language learning; native language; pattern similarity; second language.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experimental design and behavioral performance. Participants received artificial language training (a) for 12 days (1 hr per day). (b) A semantic decision task was administered after 4‐day training and after 12‐day training. (c) Reaction time and accuracy of artificial language words increased with training. Error bars represent the standard error of the mean [Color figure can be viewed at http://wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Brain activations for (a) Chinese words, (b) English words, and (c) artificial language words after 12‐day training. (d) Conjunction analysis showed that the three types of words elicited similar activation in the typical reading network. All activations were thresholded at p < .001 (whole‐brain corrected) and overlaid onto the group‐averaged anatomical map. R = right [Color figure can be viewed at http://wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 3
Figure 3
The effect of language experience on cross‐language pattern similarity. (a) Results showed that artificial language training enhanced pattern similarity between Chinese words and artificial language words in several regions, including the bilateral orbital frontal cortex, superior occipital gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and superior parietal lobule. (b) Pattern similarity between Chinese and English words was higher than that between Chinese and artificial language words in the anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (extending to precentral gyrus), left superior parietal lobule, and right superior occipital gyrus. R = right [Color figure can be viewed at http://wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cross‐language pattern similarity in the 10 predefined ROIs. (a) The upper panels show results of 5 ROIs in the left hemisphere, (b) while the lower panels show results in the right hemisphere. AG = angular gyrus; FG = fusiform gyrus; ITG = inferior temporal gyrus; PO = pars opercularis; and PT = pars triangularis. CA = pattern similarity between Chinese and artificial language words; CE = pattern similarity between Chinese and English words
Figure 5
Figure 5
The correlations between neural pattern similarity and behavioral performance on the semantic decision task. Changes in pattern similarity between Chinese words and artificial language words in the bilateral pars triangularis, and right pars opercularis were positively associated with the improvement in accuracy of artificial language words in the semantic decision task. LPT = left pars triangularis; RPT = right pars triangularis; RPO = right pars opercularis
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