Early language experience modulates the tradeoff between acoustic-temporal and lexico-semantic cortical tracking of speech.

ABSTRACT: Cortical tracking of speech is relevant for the development of speech perception skills. However, no study to date has explored whether and how cortical tracking of speech is shaped by accumulated language experience, the central question of this study. In 35 bilingual children (6-year-old) with considerably bigger experience in one language, we collected electroencephalography data while they listened to continuous speech in their two languages. Cortical tracking of speech was assessed at acoustic-temporal and lexico-semantic levels. Children showed more robust acoustic-temporal tracking in the least experienced language, and more sensitive cortical tracking of semantic information in the most experienced language. Additionally, and only for the most experienced language, acoustic-tempora

SUBMITTER: Perez-Navarro J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11246002 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature