Article

Approximately half the world's population can now speak more than one language.
Understanding the neural basis of language organisation in bilinguals, and
whether the cortical networks involved during language processing differ from
that of monolinguals, is therefore an important area of research. A main issue
concerns whether L2 (second language) is processed using the same neural
mechanisms that mediate L1 (first language) processing. Moderating factors
include the age of L2 acquisition and the level of proficiency. Here we used a
lexical decision task with five conditions during functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) to investigate language processing in eight late proficient
bilinguals when using Macedonian (L1) and English (L2). Bilinguals had greater
bilateral activation during both L1 and L2 processing, and therefore weaker
language lateralisation, compared to matched control English monolinguals. A
greater amount of overall activation was also seen in bilinguals, especially
during L2 conditions. Late proficient bilinguals living in their L2 environment
employ a more extensive neural network than monolinguals when processing their
second language.
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