Abstract
Individual differences in second language (L2) aptitude have been assumed to depend upon
a variety of cognitive and personality factors. Especially, the cognitive factor phonological
working memory has been conceptualized as language learning device. However, strong
associations between phonological working memory and L2 aptitude have been previously
found in early-stage learners only, not in advanced learners. The current study aimed at
investigating the behavioural and neurobiological predictors of advanced L2 learning. Our
behavioural results showed that phonetic coding ability and empathy, but not phonological
working memory, predict L2 pronunciation aptitude in advanced learners. Second, functional
neuroimaging revealed this behavioral trait to be correlated with hemodynamic responses of
the cerebral network of speech motor control and auditory-perceptual areas. We suggest that
the acquisition of L2 pronunciation aptitude is a dynamic process, requiring a variety of
neural resources at different processing stages over time.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 366 |
Number of pages | 367 |
Journal | Brain and Language |
Volume | 127 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 27 Dec 2012 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2013 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 503003 Talent research
- 301401 Brain research
- 602008 English studies
- 602040 Psycholinguistics