The Impact of the Second Language Learning on Brain Performance
Topic description
Second language learning has been proved to affect brain performance. It has specifically been shown to influence the way brain handles information during the process of acquiring the second language. In line with previous literature, the researcher proposes to evaluate the effect studying has on learners’ brain performance. In order to achieve this objective, the researcher proposes to appraise the difference between the beginners and advanced learners of the second language. The main focus of the proposed study will be on the effects that learners’ age have on their brain performance and what can be done to improve it. The assumption is that the age factor could increase or decrease learners’ brain performance; thus, affect the acquisition of the second languages (Chobert and Besson 924).
Literature review
A study by Johnson and Newport shows that people who spend more time learning second languages master it better than their counterparts who spend less time doing the same (Johnson and Newport 60). Another study by Osterhout et al. shows that during the early stages of acquiring second languages, classroom based instructions can change brain’s electrical activity of the students (Osterhout et al 509). Previous studies have also shown that mastering the second language to advanced level has the capacity to enhance the four thinking capabilities of Torrance test of creative thinking (Ghonsooly and Showqi 161). Previous researches have further shown accompany speech with gestures to be important in the process of acquiring second languages (Macedonia, Muller & Friederici 1). In line with these studies, it would be crucial to evaluate the effects studying might have on the brain performance of the learners.
Research method
A descriptive research design will be utilized to depict the difference between beginners and advanced learners of second language. This will involve describing the study outcomes using different methods. Both t test and correlational tests will be utilized to analyze the data. The t test will be employed to compare and contrast the difference between the outcomes of the two groups, whereas correlational test will be involved to evaluate the relationship between learners’ age and their brain performances.
Annotated bibliography
Chobert, Julie, and Besson Mireille. Musical expertise and second language learning. Brainscience, 3, 2013. Print.
This article evaluates the effects that musical expertise could have on speech processing in both native and foreign languages. The article establishes that musical expertise could be instrumental to help learners produce and perceive sounds in foreign languages. The article suggests that expertise could be utilized to aid children with language-learning disorders to enhance speech sounds.
Ghonsooly, Behzad, and Showqi Sara. The effects of foreign language learning on creativity. Englishlanguageteaching, 5.4, 2012. Print.
This article evaluates the effects that second language acquisition has on individual’s divergent thinking capabilities. English is used as the second language. After conducting the study, the article establishes that acquisition of English to an advanced level helps learners to enhance the four divergent thinking capabilities of a Torrance test of creative thinking. The four thinking capabilities include originality, flexibility, elaboration, and fluency.
Johnson, Jacqueline, and Newport Elissa. Critical period effects in second language learning: The influence of maturational state on the acquisition of English as a second language. Cognitivepsychology, 21, 1989. Print.
Based on an earlier hypothesis that languages could only be acquired within a critical period, the authors tested this hypothesis using forty-six native Chinese and Korean speakers. At the time of study, the research participants had lived in the USA in the period from three to twenty-six years. In line with the hypothesis, the authors established that research participants that had stayed longer in the USA had better English performance than their counterparts that had not stayed longer in the country. The results indicate that the period that one spends learning second language is important in enhancing linguistic proficiency.
Kaushanskaya, Margarita et al. The effect of second-language experience on native-language processing. Vigo international journal of applied linguistics, 2011. Print.
This article evaluates the effects that second-language experiences have on the reading skills and vocabularies of bilingual speakers. With the help of English-Spanish and English-Mandarin speakers, the article establishes that the two groups of speakers do not show any difference in their native languages. However, with regard to English, English-Spanish bilinguals demonstrate higher English reading skills because of their proficiencies in speaking. Conversely, English-Mandarin bilinguals have lower English reading skills because of their lower fluency in English. The article suggests that second-language experiences have significant effects on language performance. Consequently, those experiences can facilitate or reduce the writing system of the second language.
Macedonia, Manuela, Muller, Karsten, and Friederici Angela. The impact of iconic gestures on foreign language word learning and its neural substrate. Human brain mapping, 2010. Print.
This article evaluates the impact that gestures that accompany speech have on people learning second languages. The article establishes that memory performance for newly learned words depend largely on the motor images that match underlying representations of the words’ semantics.
Osterhout, Lee et al. Second-language learning and changes in the brain. J Neurolinguistics, 21.6, 2008. Print.
This article evaluates the possible changes that occur when a person is in the process of acquiring a second language. The article establishes that during the early stage of learning, classroom based instructions can change brain’s electrical activity of the learners of second language.
Work cited
Chobert, Julie, and Besson Mireille. Musical expertise and second language learning. Brainscience, 3, 2013. Print.
Ghonsooly, Behzad, and Showqi Sara. The effects of foreign language learning on creativity. Englishlanguageteaching, 5.4, 2012. Print.
Johnson, Jacqueline, and Newport Elissa. Critical period effects in second language learning: The influence of maturational state on the acquisition of English as a second language. Cognitivepsychology, 21, 1989. Print.
Kaushanskaya, Margarita et al. The effect of second-language experience on native-language processing. Vigo international journal of applied linguistics, 2011. Print.
Macedonia, Manuela, Muller, Karsten, and Friederici Angela. The impact of iconic gestures on foreign language word learning and its neural substrate. Humanbrainmapping, 2010. Print.
Osterhout, Lee et al. Second-language learning and changes in the brain. Jneurolinguistics, 21.6, 2008. Print.