Language aptitude for pronunciation in advanced second language (L2) Learners: Behavioural predictors and neural substrates |
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| Authors: | Xiaochen Hu Hermann Ackermann Jason A Martin Michael Erb Susanne Winkler Susanne M Reiterer |
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| Institution: | 1. Research Group Neurophonetics, Department of General Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany;2. MR Research Group, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Germany;3. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany;4. Centre for Language Learning and Teaching Research, Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna, Austria;5. Department of English Studies, Centre of Linguistics, University of Tübingen, Germany;6. Center of Neurology, Division of Neuropsychology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany |
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| 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 conceptualised 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 behavioural 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. |
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| Keywords: | Second language acquisition Language aptitude Pronunciation individual differences Phonological working memory Empathy |
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