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Syntactic processing of Mandarin Chinese as a second language recruits a crucial frontoparietal network

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Previous L1 syntactic processing studies have identified the crucial left frontotemporal network, whereas research on L2 syntactic processing has shown that learner factors, such as L2 proficiency and linguistic distance, can modulate the related networks. Here, we developed a function-word-based jabberwocky sentence reading paradigm to investigate the neural correlates underlying Chinese L2 syntactic processing. Twenty Chinese L2 Korean native speakers were recruited in this fMRI study. Chinese proficiency test scores and Chinese-Korean syntactic similarity scores were measured to quantify the learner factors, respectively. The imaging results revealed an effective left frontoparietal network involving superior parietal lobule (SPL), posterior inferior frontal gyrus (pIFG) and precentral gyrus (PreCG). Moreover, the signal intensity of SPL as well as the connectivity strength between SPL and PreCG significantly correlated with the learner factors. These findings shed light on the neurobiological relationships between L1 and L2 syntactic processing and on the modulation of L2 learner factors.
DOI: 10.1017/s1366728925100138
Authors: Chenyang Gao, Jia Guo, Liaoyuan Zhang, Zimu Li, Luyao Chen, Liping Feng
Institutions: Beijing Normal University, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing Foreign Studies University, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Institute of Education, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4413179030
FWCI:
Cites: 90
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Related to: 10