Li Hai Tan|John A. Spinks|Ching Mei Feng|Wai Ting Siok|Charles A. Perfetti|Jinhu Xiong|Peter T. Fox|Jia?Hong Gao
Neural systems of second language reading are shaped by native language
University of Hong Kong|Imaging Center|The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio|Stanford University|University of Pittsburgh|The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio|Imaging Center|The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio|Imaging Center|The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio|Imaging Center
reading second language l2 complex task entails interaction l2 native language l1 study underlying mechanisms used functional magnetic resonance imaging fmri visualize chineseenglish bilinguals brain activity phonological processing logographic chinese alphabetic english two written languages sharp contrast phonology orthography experiment 1 found phonological processing chinese characters recruits neural system involving left middle frontal posterior parietal gyri cortical regions known contribute spatial information representation spatial working memory coordination cognitive resources central executive system assume peak activation system relevant unique feature chinese logographic character square configuration maps onto monosyllabic unit speech equally important bilingual subjects performed phonological task english words neural system active whereas brain areas mediating english monolinguals finegrained phonemic analysis demonstrated experiment 2 weakly activated suggests bilingual subjects applying l1 system l2 reading lack lettertosound conversion rules chinese led chinese readers less capable processing english recourse analytic reading system english monolinguals rely brain imaging findings lend strongest support idea language experience tunes cortex