Mri methods in bilingual reading comprehension

Abstract

This chapter reviews developments in bilingual reading comprehension from anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional connectivity analysis, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Networks involved in orthographic, semantic, and syntactic levels of processing are discussed, considering language-specifi c processing requirements and the role of age of acquisition and profi ciency. Reading in the fi rst (L1) and second language (L2) is subserved by largely overlapping networks, with additional recruitment for language-specifi c aspects of processing. Semantic access is largely shared, while syntactic processing in particular is affected by individual differences in language acquisition. L2 acquisition builds on the existing L1 system and, as L2 profi ciency improves, processing becomes more native-like, substantiating the convergence hypothesis. Increased activity in a cognitive control network during effortful L2 reading provides support for an anatomically and functionally distinct task system during comprehension, as predicted by the Bilingual Interactive Activation Plus Model (BIA+). Converging evidence from fMRI and other techniques is considered to illustrate the power of combining methodologies.