Neurolinguistics and second language acquisition: an analysis of brain activity

Аннотация

This paper explores the relationship between neurolinguistics and second language acquisition (SLA), focusing on brain activity during language processing. Using neuroscientific methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers have examined how different brain regions contribute to SLA. This study synthesizes findings from cognitive neuroscience and linguistic research to offer insights into effective language learning strategies.

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Каримова A. (2025). Neurolinguistics and second language acquisition: an analysis of brain activity. Объединяя студентов: международные исследования и сотрудничество между дисциплинами, 1(1), 457–459. извлечено от https://www.inlibrary.uz/index.php/btsircad/article/view/103241
Азиза Каримова, Джизакский государственный педагогический университет
Студентrf 1 курса факультета английского языка по специальности «Иностранный язык и литература»
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Аннотация

This paper explores the relationship between neurolinguistics and second language acquisition (SLA), focusing on brain activity during language processing. Using neuroscientific methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers have examined how different brain regions contribute to SLA. This study synthesizes findings from cognitive neuroscience and linguistic research to offer insights into effective language learning strategies.


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профессиональной деятельности. В дальнейшем стоит проводить дополнительные
исследования по эффективности данного метода, разрабатывать новые учебные кейсы и
совершенствовать методы их внедрения в образовательный процесс.

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Просвещение, 2018. – 220 с.
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3. Зимняя И. А. Психолого-педагогические основы обучения иностранным языкам. – М.:
Логос, 2019. – 250 с.
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Казанский университет, 2021. – 175 с.
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Сибирское научное издательство, 2019. – 210 с.
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NEUROLINGUISTICS AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION:

AN ANALYSIS OF BRAIN ACTIVITY

Karimova Aziza Muxiddin qizi

Foreign language and literature of the Jizzakh State Pedagogical University of the Jizzakh

Region: 1st Stage Student of the Faculty of English

Annotation:

This paper explores the relationship between neurolinguistics and second

language acquisition (SLA), focusing on brain activity during language processing. Using
neuroscientific methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and
electroencephalography (EEG), researchers have examined how different brain regions contribute to
SLA. This study synthesizes findings from cognitive neuroscience and linguistic research to offer
insights into effective language learning strategies.

Keywords:

Neurolinguistics, second language acquisition, brain activity, fMRI, EEG,

cognitive neuroscience, language processing, bilingualism.

Neurolinguistics, an interdisciplinary field combining linguistics and neuroscience,

investigates how the brain processes language. In the context of second language acquisition (SLA),
researchers seek to understand the neural mechanisms that facilitate or hinder learning a non-native
language. The human brain exhibits remarkable plasticity, allowing individuals to acquire new
languages at different life stages. However, the efficiency of this process varies based on age,
cognitive abilities, and exposure. This paper aims to analyze how brain activity influences SLA,
discussing key findings from neurolinguistic studies.

This study employs a meta-analysis of existing neuroscientific research on SLA. The

methodology includes:

Reviewing fMRI and EEG studies that analyze brain activity during L2 processing.
Comparing neural activation patterns between early and late bilinguals.
Examining the impact of age, proficiency, and immersion on neural plasticity in SLA.


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Identifying neural markers of successful L2 acquisition.
Neurolinguistics and Second Language Acquisition: An Analysis of Brain Activity
Neurolinguistics is an interdisciplinary field that explores the neural mechanisms underlying

language processing, acquisition, and comprehension. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) has been
extensively studied within neurolinguistics, with a focus on brain activity, critical periods, and neural
plasticity. This paper examines the neural basis of SLA, comparing first and second language
processing, and discussing the implications of neuroimaging studies in understanding bilingualism
and multilingualism.

The process of learning a second language (L2) engages complex cognitive and neural

mechanisms. Unlike first language (L1) acquisition, which occurs naturally during early childhood,
SLA is influenced by various factors, including age, exposure, and cognitive abilities.
Neurolinguistics provides insights into how different areas of the brain contribute to L2 processing
and proficiency.

Neurolinguistic Foundations of SLA
Neurolinguistics integrates knowledge from cognitive neuroscience and psycholinguistics to

study how the brain processes multiple languages. Key areas involved in SLA include:

- Broca’s Area (frontal lobe): Plays a role in speech production and grammar processing.
- Wernicke’s Area (temporal lobe): Essential for language comprehension.
- Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum: Contribute to procedural memory and motor aspects of

speech.

- Hippocampus: Supports declarative memory, aiding in vocabulary retention and language

rules.

Brain Plasticity and Critical Period Hypothesis
Neural plasticity, or the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, is

crucial for SLA. The Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) suggests that L2 acquisition is more effective
before puberty due to greater neural flexibility. However, research indicates that adult learners can
still achieve high proficiency levels, albeit with different neural recruitment strategies.

Neuroimaging Studies in SLA
Advances in neuroimaging techniques have provided significant insights into SLA-related

brain activity:

- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Demonstrates that early bilinguals show

similar activation patterns for L1 and L2, whereas late bilinguals may exhibit distinct neural pathways.

- Electroencephalography (EEG) and Event-Related Potentials (ERPs): Reveal differences in

how L1 and L2 are processed in terms of speed and efficiency.

- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Highlights metabolic changes in language-related

areas.

Differences in L1 and L2 Processing
Research suggests key differences in how the brain processes L1 and L2:
- L1 is typically more automatized and involves deeply entrenched neural networks.
- L2 learning in adulthood often requires greater cognitive effort, activating additional regions

such as the prefrontal cortex for executive control and working memory.

- Phonological processing in L2 may remain challenging due to reduced sensitivity to

unfamiliar sound patterns.

Implications for Language Teaching and Learning
Understanding the neural mechanisms of SLA has pedagogical implications:
- Immersive Learning: Enhances neural connectivity through real-life interactions.
- Repetition and Spaced Learning: Strengthens memory consolidation in the hippocampus.
- Multisensory Approaches: Engaging different sensory modalities can facilitate learning.
- Neurofeedback Techniques: Using EEG-based feedback to improve language proficiency.


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Neurolinguistic research underscores the complexity of SLA and highlights the brain's

remarkable adaptability. While early exposure to L2 may facilitate native-like proficiency,
neuroplasticity allows for significant learning at any age. Continued advancements in neuroimaging
will further elucidate the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying multilingual competence.

The findings underscore the importance of early exposure to L2, as brain plasticity declines

with age. However, the presence of neural compensation mechanisms allows late learners to achieve
high proficiency. The results also support the effectiveness of immersive learning and active language
use in strengthening neural pathways. Additionally, the cognitive benefits of bilingualism extend
beyond language skills, improving memory and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusions

Understanding the neurolinguistic basis of SLA has significant implications for language

education. To optimize learning outcomes, educators should incorporate:

1. Early exposure: Encouraging language learning from a young age to leverage

neuroplasticity.

2. Immersive experiences: Promoting environments where learners actively use L2.
3. Cognitive training: Incorporating exercises that enhance executive function and working

memory.

4. Personalized approaches: Tailoring language instruction based on individual neural

processing patterns.

Further research should explore the long-term effects of bilingualism on brain structure and

cognitive function, as well as investigate neuro-enhancement techniques that could facilitate SLA.

This structured analysis offers a comprehensive examination of how neurolinguistics informs

SLA, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers, and language learners.

References

1.

Abutalebi, J. (2008). Neural aspects of second language representation and language control.
Acta Psychologica, 128, 466’478.

2.

Bloch, C., Kaiser, A., Kuenzli, E., Zappatore, D., Haller, S., Franceschini, R., Luedi , G.,
Radue, E., & Nitsch, C. (2009). The age of second language acquisition determines the
variability in activation elicited by narration in three languages in Broca’s and Wernicke’s
areas. Neuropsychologia, 47, 625’633.

3.

Fontanari, J. F., & Perlovsky, L. I. (2008). How language can help discrimination in the neural
modelling fields framework? Neural Networks, 21, 250’256.

4.

Hagen, L. K. (2008). The bilingual brain: Human evolution and second language acquisition.
Evolutionary Psychology, 6 (1), 43-63.

5.

Hernandez, A. E., Dapretto, M., Mazziotta, J., & Bookheimer, M. (2001). Language switching
and language representation in Spanish’English bilinguals. NeuroImage, 14, 510’520.

6.

Kim-Rivera, E. G. (1998). Neurolinguistic applications to SLA classroom instruction: A
review of the issues with a focus on Danesi's bimodality. Texas Papers in Foreign Language
Education, 3 (2), 91-103.








Библиографические ссылки

Abutalebi, J. (2008). Neural aspects of second language representation and language control. Acta Psychologica, 128, 466П478.

Bloch, C., Kaiser, A., Kuenzli, E., Zappatore, D., Haller, S., Franceschini, R., Luedi , G., Radue, E., & Nitsch, C. (2009). The age of second language acquisition determines the variability in activation elicited by narration in three languages in BrocaDs and WernickeHs areas. Neuropsychologia, 47, 625Л633.

Fontanari, J. F., & Perlovsky, L. I. (2008). How language can help discrimination in the neural modelling fields framework? Neural Networks, 21,250Г256.

Hagen, L. K. (2008). The bilingual brain: Human evolution and second language acquisition. Evolutionary Psychology, 6(1), 43-63.

Hernandez, A. E., Dapretto, M., Mazziotta, .1., & Bookheimer, M. (2001). Language switching and language representation in Spanish English bilinguals. NeuroImage, 14, 510П520.

Kim-Rivera, E. G. (1998). Neurolinguistic applications to SLA classroom instruction: A review of the issues with a focus on Danesi's bimodality. Texas Papers in Foreign Language Education, 3(2), 91-103.