Back to Search Start Over

Resting-state occipito-frontal alpha connectome is linked to differential word learning ability in adult learners

Authors :
Yan Huang
Yao Deng
Xiaoming Jiang
Yiyuan Chen
Tianxin Mao
Yong Xu
Caihong Jiang
Hengyi Rao
Source :
Frontiers in Neuroscience, Vol 16 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022.

Abstract

Adult language learners show distinct abilities in acquiring a new language, yet the underlying neural mechanisms remain elusive. Previous studies suggested that resting-state brain connectome may contribute to individual differences in learning ability. Here, we recorded electroencephalography (EEG) in a large cohort of 106 healthy young adults (50 males) and examined the associations between resting-state alpha band (8–12 Hz) connectome and individual learning ability during novel word learning, a key component of new language acquisition. Behavioral data revealed robust individual differences in the performance of the novel word learning task, which correlated with their performance in the language aptitude test. EEG data showed that individual resting-state alpha band coherence between occipital and frontal regions positively correlated with differential word learning performance (p = 0.001). The significant positive correlations between resting-state occipito-frontal alpha connectome and differential world learning ability were replicated in an independent cohort of 35 healthy adults. These findings support the key role of occipito-frontal network in novel word learning and suggest that resting-state EEG connectome may be a reliable marker for individual ability during new language learning.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1662453X
Volume :
16
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.06e398f6856a45a08da7a967eba9ba84
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.953315