second language processing shows increased native-like neural responses after months of no exposure第二语言处理显示增加本土一样神经反应经过几个月的接触.pdfVIP

Second Language Processing Shows Increased Native- Like Neural Responses after Months of No Exposure 1 2,3 2 2 Kara Morgan-Short , Ingrid Finger , Sarah Grey , Michael T. Ullman * 1 Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies and Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, 2 Brain and Language Lab, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America, 3 Department of Modern Languages, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil Abstract Although learning a second language (L2) as an adult is notoriously difficult, research has shown that adults can indeed attain native language-like brain processing and high proficiency levels. However, it is important to then retain what has been attained, even in the absence of continued exposure to the L2—particularly since periods of minimal or no L2 exposure are common. This event-related potential (ERP) study of an artificial language tested performance and neural processing following a substantial period of no exposure. Adults learned to speak and comprehend the artificial language to high proficiency with either explicit, classroom-like, or implicit, immersion-like training, and then underwent several months of no exposure to the language. Surprisingly, proficiency did not decrease during this delay. Instead, it remained unchanged, and there was an increase in native-like neural processing of syntax, as evidenced by several ERP changes— including earlier, more reliable, and more left-lateralized anterior negativities, and more robust P