Neurocognitive approaches to Chinese second language learning

The neurocognitive study of Chinese second language learning is an emerging field that integrates perspectives and methods from linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience. We provide a review of some recent studies in this interdisciplinary field that uses functional magnetic resonance imaging, structural magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and event-related potentials. These studies have allowed researchers to examine second language learning with paradigms from both lab-based artificial language learning and classroom-based natural language learning. Their findings highlight language-specific properties of spoken and written Chinese, which impact second language learners’ functional and structural brain patterns, including brain networks. Future studies should systematically explore the dynamic interactions among language-specific properties, learner variables, and contextual variables, to understand the short-term and long-term effects of second language learning on brain and behavior.