Neural specialization of print processing in second language learning: A longitudinal ERP study of Chinese children learning English

TL;DR

This study shows how Chinese children's brain responses to English print change over time as they learn to read English.

Contribution

It reveals that coarse tuning effects in second language reading decrease over time and are influenced by reading ability.

Findings

Coarse tuning effects in L2 English decrease longitudinally in Chinese children.

English reading ability modulates coarse tuning development differently over time.

Visual perceptual expertise applies to L2 contexts, with coarse tuning being uniquely sensitive to development.

Abstract

The N1 component of event-related potentials (ERP) reflects print tuning and lexicality effects. Previous studies have shown that for a second learned writing system, tuning and lexical effects are associated with age and ability. However, the developmental trajectory of these tuning and lexicality effects, and how language skills influence them, remains unclear. The present study investigated how English reading abilities contribute to longitudinal changes in N1 amplitude and print tuning among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Forty-three children performed a repetition detection task while EEG was recorded to examine three types of tuning: coarse tuning (real word versus false font symbol), fine tuning (real word versus nonword), and lexicality effect (real word versus pseudoword). Children's English word reading accuracy (EWR) was assessed. Results revealed significant coarse tuning and lexicality effects but no significant fine tuning effect. Only coarse tuning showed longitudinal change, with the coarse tuning effect decreasing over time. Furthermore, the N1 coarse tuning effect increased with EWR in the first assessment but decreased with EWR in the second assessment. This modulation was not found for fine tuning or lexicality effects. These findings support the visual perceptual expertise account in the second language (L2) context, demonstrating that the coarse tuning effect, but not fine tuning and lexicality effects, undergoes developmental changes that are modulated by reading skills.

•Coarse tuning effects in L2 English decrease longitudinally in Chinese children.•English reading ability modulates coarse tuning development, showing opposite patterns between first and second assessments.•Visual perceptual expertise account applies to L2 contexts, with coarse tuning being uniquely sensitive to development.•Longitudinal ERP study reveals differential developmental trajectories for three types of neural print tuning in L2 learners.

Coarse tuning effects in L2 English decrease longitudinally in Chinese children.

English reading ability modulates coarse tuning development, showing opposite patterns between first and second assessments.

Visual perceptual expertise account applies to L2 contexts, with coarse tuning being uniquely sensitive to development.

Longitudinal ERP study reveals differential developmental trajectories for three types of neural print tuning in L2 learners.

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