The impact of language proficiency on neuro-cognitive mechanisms supporting second-language spoken word recognition: an ERP study on Chinese-English bilinguals

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of proficiency in the second language (L2) on the neurocognitive processes that support the recognition of spoken words. Chinese native learners of English (N = 34) took part in the picture-word matching task and the AX Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT). In the picture-word matching task, the component amplitudes for P50, N120, and P200 were found to be lower in the low proficiency group compared to the high proficiency group. Regarding the AX-CPT, the high-proficiency group exhibited a more balanced utilisation of proactive and reactive control, whereas the low-proficiency group displayed a greater reliance on proactive control. Additionally, a correlation was observed between various ERP components from the picture-word matching task and behavioural indicators obtained from the AX-CPT, suggesting different strategies of cognitive control may reflect the influence of language proficiency on neurocognitive mechanisms in spoken word recognition.

KEYWORDS:

• L2 learners
• spoken word recognition
• language proficiency
• cognitive control

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey G. Malins for his support on the experimental design and data analysis, as well as his helpful comments on the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant to JX from the Social Science Foundation of Beijing, China [grant number: 19YYB008].