ABSTRACT
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.
