The Differences of Cerebral Response to the Korean and English Word Stimuli

Abstract

In order to find out whether there was a distinct neural network of semantic word categorization for native and second languages, this study measured the cerebral response. The functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used for a group of 12 adult participants. The 14 sound stimuli of simple words were programed through the E-Prime program installed in the fMRI. Out of 14 sound stimuli, 8 were randomly presented to the participants in a serious of block design. The participants responded to the auditory trials by categorizing animal or non-animal words administered by Korean (L1) and English (L2) sound. First, group analyses revealed significant differences in the activation pattern: L1 in the left inferior frontal, parietal and caudate, and L2 in the left hippocampus and angular gyrus. Second, the response time of the L2 task was significantly longer than that of L1. The result corresponded with the theory that the speed of L2 listening was faster than that of L1, so the foreign language semantic judgement might recruit more neural network, especially in English listening. Third, the activated areas of the L2 task changed with age (the elder> younger) were predominant in the right hemisphere. These results suggest that L1 and L2 have different neural activations in semantic categorization processing affected by age. The scientific research based on neurolinguistic aspects should be implemented in early childhood English education as well as secondary education.