Work

Time course of indirect reply processing in native and non-native Mandarin speakers: An ERP study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: To communicate successfully, listeners must decode both the literal and intended meanings of a speaker’s message. This ability is especially crucial when processing indirect replies as intended meanings can differ significantly from what was said. How native and non-native speakers differ in this ability is an open question. The present study investigated differences in the time course of indirect reply processing in native and non-native Mandarin speakers. EEG signals were recorded while participants were presented with conversations that differed in their directness. For indirect replies, native speakers exhibited a larger left anterior N400 and posterior late positive component (LPC). Conversely, non-native speakers exhibited a larger left-distributed LPC and delayed LPC. Findings support that non-native speakers exhibit delayed processing of indirect replies, potentially because of cognitive resource limitations. Findings from the present study have implications for a broad range of investigations on human communication and second language processing.

Source: Bilingualism Language and Cognition

DOI: 10.1017/s1366728924000695

Authors: Xiuping Zhang, Xiaoxi Pan, Yizhu Wang, Maoyao Xu, Adam John Privitera

Institutions: Beijing Language and Culture University, Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Centre for Research and Development in Learning

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450

OpenAlex ID: W4405374560

FWCI: 0.23

Cites: 95

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10