Structural brain changes as a function of second language vocabulary training: Effects of learning context

• Published in: Brain and cognition Vol. 134; pp. 90 - 102
• Main Authors: Legault, Jennifer, Fang, Shin-Yi, Lan, Yu-Ju, Li, Ping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2019; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain Mapping - methods; Cognitive ability; Cortex; Effects of learning context; Female; Gray Matter - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Language; Learning; Learning - physiology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Multilingualism; Organ Size; Second language training; Structural magnetic resonance imaging; Structure-function relationships; Substantia grisea; Vocabulary; Young Adult; Effects of learning context; Second language training; Structural magnetic resonance imaging
• ISSN: 0278-2626; 1090-2147
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2018.09.004

•Short term L2 training in adults leads to changes in cortical thickness and gray matter volume.•Experience-dependent neuroplasticity varies based on L2 learning context.•Paired association based L2 training is associated with cortical thickness in the right inferior frontal cortex.•Virtual environment based L2 training is associated with cortical thickness in the right inferior parietal lobe. Recent research indicates that learning a second language (L2) results in both functional and structural brain changes. However, few studies have examined whether structural brain changes vary as a function of the context in which L2 learning takes place. The current study examines changes in cortical thickness (CT) and gray matter volume (GMV) in response to short-term L2 vocabulary learning. In particular, we compared structural changes for learning with paired picture-word (PW) association versus learning within virtual environments (VE) and non-trained controls. Both L2 training groups learned the same 90 Mandarin Chinese nouns across 7 training sessions over approximately 20 days. Our results show (a) CT and GMV increased in regions implicated in a language control network for both L2 training groups, and (b) participants in different learning contexts may rely on different structures within this language control network. In particular, CT in the right IFG was associated with L2 training performance for the PW group, whereas CT in the right IPL showed a positive correlation with L2 training performance for the VE group. Our findings indicate that short-term L2 training leads to changes in brain structure, which vary based on L2 learning contexts and individual differences in cognitive ability.