Cross Linguistic Transfer (CLT) in Bilingual Speakers Neural Correlates of Language Learning
The purpose of this thesis was to study the behavioral and neural correlates of Cross linguistic Transfer effects (CLT) at the word level, in second language learning. Moreover, given that language distance has an impact on CLT, (Paradis, 1987, 2004, Odlin, 1989, 2004, 2005, Gollan, 2005, Ringbom, 2007) two distinct language pairs were examined: Close language pairs (Spanish French) and distant language pairs (Persian French) This thesis comprises three studies. In study I, Spanish speakers and in study II Persian speakers were trained for lexical learning until consolidation level. Cognates (phonologically and semantically similar words) Clangs (phonologically similar words with different meanings) and Non cognate non clangs (semantically similar words) were presented in a picture naming task. Accuracy rates and response times as well as event related fMRI BOLD responses to each word category were measured. Simple and direct contrasts with phonologically similar and phonologically distant words were performed. Thus, Study I reports the results of close languages (Spanish French) and Study II, reports the results of distant languages (Persian French) The neurocognitive processing of language learning was further investigated in terms of networks using functional connectivity analysis in distant languages (Persian French) and the results are reported in Study III. The Results with the General Linear Model analysis show that with close language pairs (French Spanish) the processing of phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) relies upon a shared L1 L2 language specific neural areas, whereas processing of phonologically distant words (non clang non cognates) activates L1 language processing areas, but also relies upon working memory, attentional, and processing structures. However, with distant language pairs (French Persian) even phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) activate areas known to be involved in attentional processing and cognitive control. Moreover, phonologically distant words (non clang non cognates) also activate areas involved in working