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Neuroplasticity as a function of second language learning: Anatomical changes in the human brain
Author(s):
Ping Li
,
Jennifer Legault
,
Kaitlyn A. Litcofsky
Publication date
Created:
September 2014
Publication date
(Print):
September 2014
Journal:
Cortex
Publisher:
Elsevier BV
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Abstract
The brain has an extraordinary ability to functionally and physically change or reconfigure its structure in response to environmental stimulus, cognitive demand, or behavioral experience. This property, known as neuroplasticity, has been examined extensively in many domains. But how does neuroplasticity occur in the brain as a function of an individual's experience with a second language? It is not until recently that we have gained some understanding of this question by examining the anatomical changes as well as functional neural patterns that are induced by the learning and use of multiple languages. In this article we review emerging evidence regarding how structural neuroplasticity occurs in the brain as a result of one's bilingual experience. Our review aims at identifying the processes and mechanisms that drive experience-dependent anatomical changes, and integrating structural imaging evidence with current knowledge of functional neural plasticity of language and other cognitive skills. The evidence reviewed so far portrays a picture that is highly consistent with structural neuroplasticity observed for other domains: second language experience-induced brain changes, including increased gray matter (GM) density and white matter (WM) integrity, can be found in children, young adults, and the elderly; can occur rapidly with short-term language learning or training; and are sensitive to age, age of acquisition, proficiency or performance level, language-specific characteristics, and individual differences. We conclude with a theoretical perspective on neuroplasticity in language and bilingualism, and point to future directions for research. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Related collections
Nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
Author and article information
Journal
Title:
Cortex
Abbreviated Title:
Cortex
Publisher:
Elsevier BV
ISSN (Print):
00109452
Publication date Created:
September 2014
Publication date (Print):
September 2014
Volume
: 58
Pages
: 301-324
Article
DOI:
10.1016/j.cortex.2014.05.001
PubMed ID:
24996640
SO-VID:
b748c63a-2955-43c4-80d2-6a000204843d
Copyright ©
© 2014
License:
https://www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/
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