Enhanced activations in syntax-related regions for multilinguals while acquiring a new language.

ABSTRACT: The neuroscientific foundation of multilingualism, a unique cognitive capacity, necessitates further elucidation. We conducted an fMRI experiment to evaluate the acquisition of syntactic features in a new language (Kazakh) for multilinguals and bilinguals. Results showed that the multilinguals who were more proficient in their second/third languages needed fewer task trials to acquire Kazakh phonology. Regarding group differences, the reduction in response times during the initial exposure to Kazakh were significantly larger for the multilinguals than the bilinguals. For the multilinguals, activations in the bilateral frontal/temporal regions were maintained at a higher level than the initial level during subsequent new grammar conditions. For the bilinguals, activations in the basal gangl

SUBMITTER: Umejima K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8012711 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature