Child first language and adult second language are both tied to general-purpose learning systems.

ABSTRACT: Do the mechanisms underlying language in fact serve general-purpose functions that preexist this uniquely human capacity? To address this contentious and empirically challenging issue, we systematically tested the predictions of a well-studied neurocognitive theory of language motivated by evolutionary principles. Multiple metaanalyses were performed to examine predicted links between language and two general-purpose learning systems, declarative and procedural memory. The results tied lexical abilities to learning only in declarative memory, while grammar was linked to learning in both systems in both child first language and adult second language, in specific ways. In second language learners, grammar was associated with only declarative memory at lower language experience, but with only

SUBMITTER: Hamrick P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5816159 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature