title: Resting-state qEEG predicts rate of second language learning in adults.
abstract: Understanding the neurobiological basis of individual differences in second language acquisition (SLA) is important for research on bilingualism, learning, and neural plasticity. The current study used quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to predict SLA in college-aged individuals. Baseline, eyes-closed resting-state qEEG was used to predict language learning rate during eight weeks of French exposure using an immersive, virtual scenario software. Individual qEEG indices predicted up to 60% of the variability in SLA, whereas behavioral indices of fluid intelligence, executive functioning, and working-memory capacity were not correlated with learning rate. Specifically, power in beta and low-gamma frequency ranges over right temporoparietal regions were strongly positively correlated with SLA. These results highlight the utility of resting-state EEG for studying the neurobiological basis of SLA in a relatively construct-free, paradigm-independent manner.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Psychology and Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, United States. Electronic address: csprat@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Chantel S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Prat
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Psychology and Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, United States.
authors.forename: Brianna L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Yamasaki
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Psychology and Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, United States.
authors.forename: Reina A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kluender
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Psychology and Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, United States.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stocco
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001076:Aptitude / Q000502:physiology; D001611:Beta Rhythm; D004569:Electroencephalography; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D065818:Gamma Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007360:Intelligence; D007804:Language Development; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D019303:Multilingualism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012984:Software; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bilingualism; EEG; Individual differences; Neuroplasticity; Second language acquisition; Second language aptitude; Working memory capacity