Neural representation of linguistic feature hierarchy reflects second-language proficiency.

ABSTRACT: Acquiring a new language requires individuals to simultaneously and gradually learn linguistic attributes on multiple levels. Here, we investigated how this learning process changes the neural encoding of natural speech by assessing the encoding of the linguistic feature hierarchy in second-language listeners. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded from native Mandarin speakers with varied English proficiency and from native English speakers while they listened to audio-stories in English. We measured the temporal response functions (TRFs) for acoustic, phonemic, phonotactic, and semantic features in individual participants and found a main effect of proficiency on linguistic encoding. This effect of second-language proficiency was particularly prominent on the neural encoding

SUBMITTER: Liberto GMD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8527895 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature