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In:Writing Systems, Reading Processes, and Cross-Linguistic Influences: Reflections from the Chinese, Japanese and Korean Languages
Edited by Hye K. Pae
[Bilingual Processing and Acquisition 7] 2018
► pp. 163–176

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Chapter 8
Semantic and lexical processing of words across two languages in Chinese-English bilinguals

Published online: 10 July 2018
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/bpa.7.08ma
Abstract
The present fMRI study examined the neural correlates of semantic and lexical processing in unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals with two lexical decision tasks in both their languages. Results showed that when contrasted the participants’ responses to words with those of pseudo-words, there was no significant difference between the first language (L1) and the second language (L2), suggesting that comparable neural networks are involved in semantic processing during word recognition in unbalanced bilinguals’ two languages. However, when contrasted the neural activation patterns of words and cross strings (i.e., ++++), the weaker L2 elicited stronger activation in the left middle occipital gyrus, the left precentral gyrus, and the right superior parietal lobule, relative to the dominant L1. This indicates that more resources are engaged in lexical processing in the L2 than in the L1.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Method
    • Participants
    • Materials
    • Procedure
    • Image acquisition and analysis
  • Results
    • Behavioral results
    • fMRI results
  • Discussion
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
References (32)
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Pae, Hye K.
2020. Neurolinguistic Evidence for Script Relativity. In Script Effects as the Hidden Drive of the Mind, Cognition, and Culture [Literacy Studies, 21], ► pp. 175 ff. DOI logo

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